Story of the Malaysian Sports History...

Cycling - Historic moment

2012-02-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

FATEHAH Mustapa created history as the first Malaysian woman to be crowned Asian champion on a day that saw Malaysia regain their dominance of the keirin in the Asian Cycling Championships at the Kuala Lumpur Velodrome.

The final day of track events yesterday also saw Josiah Ng lead a one-two finish for Malaysia in the men's keirin final, when the 32-year-old finished ahead of compatriot Azizulhasni Awang.

In the junior women's keirin final, rising star Ummi Hamimah Mohamad wrapped up her second silver medal and finished her debut in the Asian meet with two silver medals and a bronze.

The women's keirin was always going to see Fatehah needing to pull out something extra with China featuring two riders in Xu Yulei and Shi Jingjing, and Hong Kong's hot favourite Lee Wai Sze backed up by Diao Xiaojuan.

"I just followed (head coach) John Beasley's instructions. I knew that I should not expand too much energy early on so that I could put everything into a final sprint," said Fatehah, 22.

After the derny released the free-for-all, Fatehah played it calm, staying close to Wai Sze, who went full gas for the finish line with more than half a lap to go with the Malaysian staying tight on her rear wheel.

As the race approached the final bend it seemed like the powerful Wai Sze had done enough to fend off Fatehah, but when they hit the home straight for the final dash the Malaysian found another gear and blasted past, sending a packed velodrome into ecstatic celebrations.

Wai Sze was a spent force as she put everything into the chase and was overtaken by Yulei at the finish line. The Hong Kong star had to settle for bronze this time, after easily beating Fatehah in the 200m sprint final.

Fatehah registered not just the country's first Asian Championships gold in a women's event, but her best personal achievement outside of the regional Sea Games.

"It feels great to have this piece of history because I've never been able to win a gold medal at this level. The past few years were disappointing as I didn't even win a medal in the keirin, so this puts all of that behind me," said Fatehah.

This performance had Beasley reminding Fatehah of the potential he has seen in her all along.

"I've always said that she can win Olympic gold, so this is a great step for her. For her to win here must give her the confidence. Now, we'll look at the World Cup in London and the World Championships where I hope she will step it further," said Beasley.

The home crowd were again sent into wild celebrations as Josiah led Azizul across the finish line after the duo worked their way around the Japanese pair of Yuddai Nitta and Kazunari Watanabe in the men's keirin final, with China's Zhang Lei surprisingly a non-entity throughout the race.

Josiah registered his first Asian title, while Azizul, who was the centre of attention, wasn't disappointed with having to settle for his second silver medal after losing out to Watanabe in the 200m sprint final on Friday.

Sportsman of the Year Azizul said he was still recovering his form and was happy with the outcome of this Asian Championships as he builds towards the World Championships in Melbourne in April and the London Olympics after that.

"There's still a long way to go to get to my best form, but this was a good outing. I was feeling good here and there was no more problems with my injury," said Azizul.

"This result shows we're dominating the keirin at this level again. Now we're looking at the World Cup and Olympics, where I hope to be at my best form."

Ummi Hamimah again earned praise for her gritty performance in the junior women's keirin final, only just losing out to South Korea's Kim Sola, who she had also lost to in the 200m sprint final on Friday.

"I feel more like I've lost two gold medals, rather than winning two silver medals. Today (yesterday) I left it till too late to make my move and lost out on the gold medal which I wanted so badly," said Ummi Hamimah, 17.

The national team ended the track campaign with three gold, six silver and six bronze medals. The road events begin in Putrajaya tomorrow.

Read more: NST

Fatehah lakar sejarah berbasikal

2012-02-13T20:49:00.001-08:00

Fatehah Mustapa meraikan kejayaan menjuarai keirin wanita pada Kejohanan Berbasikal Asia di Velodrom Kuala Lumpur, Cheras, semalam. - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia bukan saja cemerlang menutup hari terakhir acara trek Kejohanan Berbasikal Asia (ACC) dengan menokok dua pingat emas, malah Fatehah Mustapa melakar sejarah sukan tanah air apabila muncul pelumba wanita pertama negara memenangi emas kejohanan itu.

Penantian Fatehah untuk bergelar juara Asia sejak 2008 akhirnya tercapai semalam selepas berjaya menjuarai acara keirin di Velodrom Kuala Lumpur, Cheras.

Fatehah membuktikan dia kini pelumba yang perlu diberi perhatian oleh pencabar serantau menjelang Sukan Olimpik 2012 London dengan kejayaan menjadi pelumba wanita Malaysia pertama meraih emas ACC sejak kejohanan diperkenalkan pada 1963.

Pelumba kelahiran Hulu Terengganu itu, mengenepikan pelumba sensasi Hong Kong, Lee Wai Sze yang menjadi pilihan utama untuk memenangi emas, namun sekadar berpuas hati dengan pingat gangsa, manakala perak milik pelumba China, Xu Yulei.

"Saya hanya ikut belakang dia (Wai Sze), menunggu dengan penuh sabar apabila tiba di selekoh terakhir dan apabila masanya tiba, saya mengerah segala kudrat yang ada untuk sampai di garisan penamat terlebih dahulu," kata Fatehah selepas tamat saingan.

Jelasnya, Wai Sze terpaksa bekerja sendirian untuk menghalang pelumba China dan ini membolehkannya menyimpan tenaga dengan hanya perlu bertindak selepas tiba masa yang sesuai.
Kemenangan ini turut menebus kekecewaan sekadar meraih perak dalam acara pecut dan gangsa ujian masa 500 meter sebelum ini.

"Saya puas hati sangat, pada masa yang sama tidak menyangka dapat meraih pingat emas, pingat ini saya hadiahkan kepada John (Beasley) dia banyak tolong saya selama ini. Jatuh bangun pelumba adalah di tangan jurulatih, apa yang dibuat semuanya adalah untuk saya.

"Pingat emas pertama ACC ini adalah rezeki yang bermakna buat saya, kenangan yang tidak akan dilupakan sampai bila-bila. Menjelang Siri Piala Dunia Klasik di London saya tidak boleh terlalu yakin, ramai pelumba lain yang hebat akan turun beraksi," katanya yang akan berangkat ke London hari ini.

Fatehah pernah meraih perak dalam acara keirin di ACC Nara, Jepun tiga tahun, diikuti di Kalimantan setahun kemudian.

Selepas mengambil bahagian dalam Siri Piala Dunia Klasik London, Fatehah akan terus mencari mata Olimpik pada Kejohanan Trek Dunia di Melbourne pada April depan dan melihat pada ranking keirin wanita terini, dia adalah pelumba kedua terbaik dunia di belakang Guo Shuang dari China.

Sementara itu, Josiah Ng melengkapkan kejuaraan berganda Malaysia dalam acara keirin selepas muncul juara lelaki, mengalahkan Mohd. Azizulhasni Awang.

UTUSAN MALAYSIA
Oleh FERZALFIE FAUZI
ferzalfie.fauzi@utusan.com.my

‘Piala Thomas sejarah kita’

2012-02-07T19:16:00.001-08:00

Cheah Soon Kit

KEKALAHAN di tangan Jepun pada 2010 cukup menyedihkan dan peristiwa itu seharusnya menjadi pengajaran berguna buat Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) namun apa yang mereka lakukan selain membuat kenyataan terdesak mengatakan Piala Thomas tidak penting.”
Kenyataan itu dibuat bekas pemain kebangsaan yang menjadi penentu kemenangan pasukan negara ketika menjulang Piala Thomas kali terakhir pada 1992, Cheah Soon Kit.

Soon Kit berkata, sebagai pemain badminton, mewakili negara dalam Piala Thomas cukup besar maknanya dan Setiausaha Kehormat BAM, Ng Chin Chai tidak sepatutnya membuat kenyataan bercanggah dengan semangat kenegaraan yang sudah lama dibina setiap kali pemain beraksi di Piala Thomas.
“Mengapa hanya satu kejohanan iaitu Olimpik menjadi sasaran BAM, sepatutnya Piala Thomas juga menjadi sasaran besar badan itu kerana perebutan trofi berpasukan inilah yang mengharumkan nama negara,” kata Soon Kit yang beraksi sebanyak lapan kali pada Piala Thomas, menjulang kejuaraan sekali pada 1992 dan berada dalam skuad naib juara sebanyak empat kali sejak 1986 hingga 2000.

“Sepatutnya tragedi 2010 membuatkan BAM bangkit dengan perancangan lebih baik. Ketika itu kita ada Datuk Lee Chong Wei dan Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, cuma perlukan satu dua lagi pemain untuk dibentuk sebagai pencabar yang kuat mengapa masih gagal.

“Saya tidak tahu mengapa beliau boleh cakap Piala Thomas tidak penting. Kalau benar tidak penting, lebih baik jangan hantar pemain ke Sukan Sea, Komanwel dan Asia. Begitu juga dengan Kejohanan Remaja Dunia, jangan hantar jika hanya Olimpik yang penting.

“Apa akan jadi apabila Chong Wei sudah tiada, apakah BAM akan katakan semua kejohanan tidak penting semata-mata kerana kita tiada peluang untuk menang?” Sebagai bekas pemain, Soon Kit, 44, amat kecewa dengan BAM yang dianggap tidak mempunyai perancangan rapi.

“Sepatutnya tragedi 2010 menjadi ‘wake up call’ buat BAM. Mereka kata perlu realistik dengan ketiadaan pemain ketika ini dan akan cuba untuk saingan 2014, tak logik langsung.

“Bagi saya kalau 2010 sudah teruk dan skuad kali ini dianggap lebih teruk, sudah tentu 2014 kita mati.” Soon Kit yang bergandingan dengan Soo Beng Kiang menjadi pemutus pemenang pada final 1992 ketika skuad negara menundukkan Indonesia 3-2 di Stadium Negara.

Sementara Razif Sidek yang turut berada dalam skuad 1992 berkata, memang mudah untuk Chin Chai berkata sesuka hatinya bak kata pepatah ‘lidah tidak bertulang’.

“Apa yang Chin Chai tahu mengenai Piala Thomas, beliau tidak pernah bermain di peringkat itu malah tidak pernah mewakili negara. Sebab itu beliau senang-senang saja nak kata Piala Thomas tidak penting,” kata Razif yang beraksi di kejohanan itu sebanyak lapan kali sejak 1980-1994.

“Cuba beritahu saya siapa yang tidak mahu mewakili negara dalam Piala Thomas, mana ada pemain yang tidak memasang angan-angan beraksi di pentas sehebat ini.

“Malah peminat sukan ini juga baik kecil mahupun dewasa pernah memasang angan-angan untuk bermain di Piala Thomas. Inilah pentas terbaik membawa nama negara.

“Kalau benar Olimpik mengatasi segala-galanya, mengapa BAM masih mahu menghantar pemain ke Seluruh England. Kita juga sudah ada gelaran kejohanan itu.”

Oleh Mohd Hilmie hussin
mohdhilmie@hmetro.com.my

Usah lupa sejarah

2012-02-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

JANGAN terlalu mudah melupakan prestij Piala Thomas. Begitulah lebih kurang nada pengkritik sukan tanah air, Tan Sri Dr Prof Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim yang kecewa dengan pendirian Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) kerana menganggap Piala Thomas bukan lagi kejohanan penting untuk diburu pemain, sebaliknya kilauan emas di Sukan Olimpik menjadi keutamaan ketika ini.

Pendirian itu dianggapnya seolah-olah seperti melupakan sejarah lalu dan Kay Kim mengingatkan BAM, Piala Thomas tetap mempunyai prestij dan nostalgia tersendiri, terutama untuk skuad negara.

“Jangan lupa kita negara pertama berjaya memenangi Piala Thomas pada 1949 yang juga kemenangan antarabangsa pertama membabitkan skuad negara.

“Kemenangan itu mencetuskan impak besar ketika itu, antaranya orang ramai mula berminat untuk bermain badminton dan banyak gelanggang dibina di kawasan lapang. Impaknya masih kekal hingga kini apabila kita menjadi antara kuasa besar sukan badminton,” katanya.

Pasukan Badminton negara bersama Piala Thomas yang dimenangi mereka pada 1949.

Begitupun, Kay Kim tidak menafikan buruan pingat emas di Sukan Olimpik juga cukup penting untuk skuad negara kerana belum pernah ada pemain merangkul emas pada temasya sukan terbesar dunia itu.

“Bagi saya, kedua-duanya (Piala Thomas dan Sukan Olimpik) penting. Kita memang mengharapkan meraih emas pertama di Sukan Olimpik terutama menerusi (Datuk) Lee Chong Wei dan itulah juga menjadi sasaran negara lain yang bertanding pada temasya ini.

“Tetapi pada masa sama, kita tidak boleh melupakan saingan Piala Thomas sebab seperti yang saya katakan tadi, ia (Piala Thomas) mempunyai prestij tersendiri,” katanya.

Namun, beliau ternyata tidak dapat mengetepikan rasa bimbangnya apabila ditanya kemampuan barisan pemain negara yang bakal beraksi pada pusingan kelayakan Piala Thomas yang akan berlangsung di Macau dari 14 hingga 19 Februari ini.

“Selain Chong Wei, saya rasa kedudukan kita agak sukar kerana barisan pemain lain tidak konsisten,” katanya.

Setiausaha Kehormat BAM, Ng Chin Chai menerusi laporan Arena Metro semalam menyatakan, Piala Thomas tidak lagi penting untuk dicapai skuad negara, sebaliknya Malaysia ketika ini lebih fokus untuk meraih pingat emas di Sukan Olimpik.

Jelas Chin Chai, tujuan sebenar dengan menegaskan Piala Thomas tidak penting adalah kerana enggan memberikan tekanan kepada pemain.

Skuad negara berjaya menjulang Piala Thomas sebanyak lima kali dengan kali terakhir pada 1992.

View here: The STRAITS TIMES THOMAS CUP Souvenir - Malayan Badminton Team 1948-49

HARIAN METRO

Chong Wei reminds sceptics he’s still worth a crack at Olympic gold

2012-01-15T18:59:00.001-08:00

LEE Chong Wei drummed out an emphatic message to the sceptics who do not think he is good for Olympic gold: Write him off at your peril.

The world No. 1 was devastating en route to winning his eighth home title at the Maybank Malaysia Open at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

And he declared his hunger for more after defeating Kenichi Tago of Japan 21-6, 21-13 in a lopsided men’s singles final to notch his easiest win yet in the home series.

Chong Wei basked in the glory after the match. He soaked in the wild celebration at the stadium, acknowledged the support of the adoring fans and even took his time to share his joy with his brother’s baby boy.

With yesterday’s feat, the 29-year-old Chong Wei equalled the record of the late great Wong Peng Soon, who had captured the title eight times in 1940, 1941, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953. Chong Wei is determined to make the record all his own with a ninth triumph next year.

It was Chong Wei’s second title in a week, marking a brilliant start to the New Year, having won the Korea Open by beating his nemesis Lin Dan of China in Seoul the previous Sunday. Yesterday, Chong Wei showed he was in a different league by extending his unbeaten run over Kenichi for the 11th time in sensational fashion.

The match was a foregone conclusion from the start as Chong Wei, spurred on by the fans, overpowered the tense Kenichi 21-6 in a flash. The second game could have ended just as fast if not for the short delay when Kenichi requested for the uneven white line on the court to be re-taped after taking a 2-1 lead.

Home comfort: Lee Chong Wei with the trophy and medal he received for winning the Malaysia Open yesterday. Chong Wei defeated Japan’s Kenichi Tago 21-6, 21-13 in the final.

The minor problem was quickly fixed and it did nothing to break Chong Wei’s rhythm as the Malaysian continued to dominate, romping home to victory 21-13.

“This is the easiest of all my Malaysia Open wins. I think Kenichi was overwhelmed by the crowd. This is the first time I have seen so many fans at a final here,” said a delighted Chong Wei.
“I’m grateful for their support. It’s great to win my eighth home title and I will definitely go for the ninth as no one has done it before.”

Chong Wei said winning back-to-back titles made for a great Chinese New Year celebration but he would remain cautious of a China backlash as far as his Olympic Games preparation was concerned.

“I ended last season with three semi-final defeats, in the China and Hong Kong Opens and the World Super Series Finals, to my rivals from China. It was towards the end of the year and I was mentally drained.
“I’m happy that I have got my momentum back again,” said Chong Wei.

“I beat Lin Dan at the Korea Open and Chen Long in the Malaysia Open. They are my two main rivals for the Olympics and I am naturally very happy as it is a major confidence boost.
“But I’m sure they will come back stronger. They will still be my main opponents in the battle for gold. I have to stay focused and not let these wins go to my head.”

On the lack of successors coming through, he said: “I haven’t seen any new talents making a mark in the Malaysia Open all these years. I hope more juniors will come through soon.”

Chong Wei said his book Dare to be a Champion, which was sold at the stadium for the first time yesterday, was meant to inspire the youngsters.

Danish delight: Christina Pedersen (top) and Kamilla Rytter Juhl celebrate after beating South Korea’s Ha Jungeun- Kim Min-jung 21-19, 21-18 to win the women’s doubles final yesterday.

“I have written about my humble beginnings. I hope my struggles and challenges will inspire them to go the extra mile.
“I’m living a comfortable life now but it all started in hardship.”

On his next mission, Chong Wei said he would lead the team to the Thomas Cup qualifying tournament in Macau from Feb 13-19.

”We don’t have a strong squad but I hope the younger players – Liew Daren and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif – will make an impact.

“I also hope Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong will regain their confidence and go all out in the qualifiers so we make it to the Finals,” he added.
For now, Chong Wei can spend some quality time with his family to celebrate the Chinese New Year. He deserves it.

THE STAR

Suryani is Malaysia’s first woman shooter to qualify for the Olympics

2012-01-15T18:58:00.001-08:00

PETALING JAYA: Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi blasted her way into the history books with a superb performance at the Asian Shooting Championships in Doha on Saturday.

After capping a wonderful end to the season with a double gold triumph at the Indonesia SEA Games last year, the 29-year-old continued with her fiery form to achieve her dream to become the first Malaysian woman rifle shooter to compete in the Olympics.

Suryani chalked scores of 99-99-100-99 in the preliminary round for a total of 397 points to reach the women’s 10m air rifle final as the fourth best qualifier.

It was the first time Suryani had made the final of the event at the Asian meet, which is held every four years.
Suryani then only just missed out on a podium finish after scoring 102.7 in the final as her total of 499.7 points saw her tied for fourth with Iran’s Ahmadi Elaheh — just 0.7 of a point short of third place.

China’s world champion Yi Siling took gold on 502.2, ahead of Kuwait’s Arzouqi Maryam (500.6) and team-mate Du Li, a two-time Olympic gold medallist on 500.4.

But that did not really matter as Suryani secured one of the last two Olympic quota spots up for grabs in the Asian meet.

Suryani and the Kuwaiti were handed the berths as China and Iran had already secured the maximum two spots for the Olympics at the World Cup series last year. Two other Malaysians — Nur Ayuni Farhana Halim and Muslifah Zulkifli — finished 16th (394) and 27th (392) in the field of 53 shooters.

Suryani, in a telephone interview from Doha, said she was relieved to keep her part of the bargain as one of the handful of successful athletes from the “Road to London” programme.

“I was disappointed to miss the mark at the World Cup series last year and that really made me more determined to get into the Olympics,” she said.

“I knew I had a good chance once I managed into get to the final. This was the last shot to qualify on merit and I am happy to be the first Malaysian shooter to make it to the London Olympics.

“I hope more can qualify from here although we are competing against world class shooters,” said Suryani, who was also the first Malaysian woman shooter to win an Asian Games medal when she took the bronze in the same discipline at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.

Indonesia SEA Games silver medallist Mohd Hadafi Jaafar was placed 28th in the men’s 10m air rifle with 584 points.

In the men’s double trap, Malaysian youngster Benjamin Khor fared better than his more experienced dad, Edward. Benjamin was placed 16th with his effort of 131 while Edward finished four rungs below on 127.
Shooting is the latest to join the confirmed cast for the Olympics apart from badminton, diving and archery.

THE STAR

Kathirvale among eight inducted into OCM Hall of Fame

2011-12-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Former greats: Kathirvale (fourth from left) with the others inducted into the OCM- Hall of Fame and OCM president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar (left) and Danyal.

EIGHTY-TWO-year-old S. Kathirvale had reasons to be elated when he was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) - Hall of Fame at the Coca-Cola Olympian of the Year ceremony in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Kathirvale, a former FIFA referee and FIH umpire, said he was pleased to be on stage with some of the top officials and athletes in Malaysia.

“I started being involved as a match official, in both hockey and football, when I was 28. It was very challenging then and there were days when abuses were hurled at me. But today, the OCM had made me proud with this honour,’’ said Kathirvale.

Besides Kathirvale, the OCM also honoured Datuk Khalid Yunus, Datuk W.Y. Chin, Datuk Seri Kee Yong Wee, S. Jahendran, Datuk Thomas Lee, Marina Chin and Karu Selvaratnam.

Khalid, Chin, Yong Wee and Jahendran had served in the OCM. Khalid and Chin were vice- presidents while Yong Wee and Jahendran were treasurer and assistant treasurer respectively. Former athletes — Marina Chin and Karu Selvaratnam — also made it to the Hall of Fame.

Marina, now the principal of the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), won three gold medals in the 1977 and 1979 SEAP Games. She was also named as the Sportswoman of the Year in 1976 and 1977. Karu has the honour of having represented Malaysia in athletics and cricket.

Organising chairman Datuk Danyal Balagopal said the awards were a recognition for the recipients’ contribution to sports.

“All the winners have an impressive track record as administrators and athletes. They deserve to be given the honour to be inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame,’’ said Danyal, who is also the OCM vice-president.
BJSS netball coach Choo Kon Lee was presented with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Women and Sports Diploma.

The Olympian of the Year awards went to shooter Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi and archer Cheng Chu Sian. Both were impressive in the recent SEA Games in Indonesia. Nur Suryani won the 10m air rifle and 50m three position gold medals while Chu Sian won the individual and team events.

Both Nur Suryani and Chu Sian were rewarded with RM10,000 and a medallion each.

Roll of Honour
Olympian of the Year (women): Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi (shooting).
Olympian of the Year (men): Cheng Chu Sian (archery)

IOC Women and Sport Diploma: Choo Kon Lee (netball)

IOC Trophy (Sport and Social Responsibility); Saujana Golf and Country Club

Hall of Fame: Datuk Khalid Yunus, Datuk W.Y. Chin, Datuk Seri Kee Yong Wee. S. Jahendran, Datuk Thomas Lee, S. Kathirvale, Marina Chin, Karu Selvaratnam.

By Y.P. SIVAM
metrospt@thestar.com.my
Photos by AZHAR MAHFOF

Tahniah! Datuk Santokh Singh

2011-12-11T23:58:00.000-08:00

Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah conferring the ‘Darjah Datuk Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’ award, which carries the title ‘Datuk’, on former national footballer Datuk Santokh Singh at Istana Alam Shah in Klang yesterday

PM Hails Nicol David As Malaysia's Most Successful Sports Icon

2011-12-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Nicol David showing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak her World Open trophy at his office in Putrajaya yesterday. Bernama pic

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hailed national squash queen Datuk Nicol Ann David on Monday as the country's most successful sports icon, saying her ability to defend the world title for six consecutive years is unmatched.

Speaking to reporters after receiving a courtesy call by the World No. 1 squash player at his office here, Najib expressed the hope that her success would spur other athletes to similarly excel in their respective sports.

"On behalf of the government and the people Malaysia, I would like to extend heartiest congratulations to Nicol," he said.

Present were Nicol's parents, Desmond David and Anne Marie David, as well as CIMP Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Nazir Razak.

"Nicol should be made a role model because she is the most successful sports icon in our country's history," he said.

He wished Nicol all the best and more success in the future, and said that it would set a high benchmark for the country's sports, especially in squash.

Nicol described the meeting with the prime minister as a truly meaningful event for her and her parents.

"It was a great honour for me and family to get the recognition from the government and Malaysians. Thank you for the all support," she said.

Nicol wajar dijulang tokoh sukan

2011-12-05T19:32:00.001-08:00

Nicol David bersama dengan ibu bapanya, Ann Marie dan Desmond David memegang trofi Kejohanan Skuasy Piala Dunia yang mana tercatat nama beliau sebanyak enam kali sebagai pemenang selepas pertemuan dengan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak di Pejabat Perdana Menteri, Putrajaya, semalam. - BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA - Ratu skuasy negara Datuk Nicol Ann David wajar dijulang sebagai tokoh sukan paling berjaya dalam sejarah negara apabila mampu mempertahankan gelaran Pemain Terbaik Dunia sebanyak enam kali berturut-turut, kata Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Perdana Menteri berkata, kejayaan yang dicapai Nicol itu adalah satu pencapaian yang belum pernah dicapai oleh sesiapa dalam sejarah negara.

"Saya bagi pihak kerajaan dan rakyat Malaysia ingin mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah kepada Nicol," katanya kepada pemberita selepas menerima kunjungan pemain No. 1 dunia itu di pejabat beliau di sini, semalam.

Turut hadir ayah dan ibu Nicol, Desmond David dan Anne Marie David serta Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan CIMB Datuk Seri Nazir Razak.
Najib berkata, diharapkan kejayaan Nicol itu, akan menjadi pendorong serta penguat semangat kepada atlet sukan bukan sahaja dalam arena skuasy tetapi juga sukan lain.

"Nicol juga patut dijadikan contoh ikutan, beliau merupakan seorang ikon sukan yang paling berjaya dalam sejarah negara kita," katanya.

"Diharapkan Nicol akan terus mencipta kejayaan yang lebih cemerlang pada masa akan datang, seterusnya meletakkan satu penanda aras yang tinggi untuk sukan negara terutamanya skuasy, kata beliau.
Sementara Nicol berkata, pertemuan dengan Perdana Menteri hari ini, merupakan satu peluang yang amat bermakna buat diri dan kedua-dua ibu bapanya.

"Ia adalah satu penghormatan untuk saya dan keluarga untuk mendapatkan pengiktirafan daripada kerajaan dan rakyat Malaysia, terima kasih atas segala sokongan," katanya. - Bernama

Aaliyah creates SEA Games history

2011-11-17T19:20:00.000-08:00

Malaysia's eight-year-old Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah created waves at the Jakabaring Lake here when she grabbed gold in the women's tricks category at the 26th SEA Games today (17/11/11), becoming the youngest athlete to ever win a gold medal in the history of the games.

She skiied confidently through her first round routine, scoring 2,810 points, and nailed a one-leg trick in the second round to earn 2,960 points.

Being much shorter and smaller than the other contestants, her appearance at the lake had drawn attention from spectators and the media.

Aaliyah said she felt excited to win the gold medal for Malaysia.

"I was confident all the way. I almost lost my balance in the first round but luckily I didn't," she sheepishly told reporters.

Thailand's Sareeya Promsuntisit won silver with 2,410 points in the first round and 2,570 in the second, while another Malaysian, Phillipa Yoong-Barly, netted bronze with 1,890 (first round) and 1860 points (second round).

Aaliyah's father, Hanifah Yoong, said his daughter had been water skiing since she was five.

"We don't want to push her too hard because she's still a child . We don't want her to be pressured. But she enjoys training very much, it's like she's addicted to the sport," he said.

He said Aaliyah underwent training five days a week and still had time to play with her friends. -- BERNAMA.

In sports, a tougher road to fame

2011-11-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

Building a successful sports career may mean spending many years abroad, an option which most of our budding athletes are reluctant to consider

Minutes after she captured a record sixth World Open crown last Sunday in Rotterdam, squash queen Nicol David took to the microphone and declared: "Winning a world title is huge in Malaysia."
She is right.

The 28-year-old Penang lass, who has won every world title since 2005 with the exception of 2008, was quick to add that the country was always gunning to have more people in sports.

In reality, getting more and more Malaysians just like her onto the global stage -- and collecting major titles -- is posing a bigger challenge now than ever before.

Our biggest hurdles, I think, are the glaring lack of a sports culture, unlike the Australians for example, stiffer competition from other active sporting nations, our hit-and-miss sports policy and inadequate funding.

The constant pressure on children to do well in public examinations is also taking a toll on sports. Sports also arguably offers a less secure future than a desk job and parents are unwilling to sacrifice their children's education for sports.

"We complain that Malaysia is not doing well (in sports). But how many parents want their kids to be professional athletes?" asks a friend of mine who works in the Youth and Sports Ministry.

"I, for one, don't want my kids to go through painful training regimes."

Sharing the limelight with Nicol last Sunday was shuttler Zulfadli Zulkifli, who upset favourite Viktor Axelsen of Denmark to clinch the world junior title in Taipei.

A jubilant 18-year-old Zulfadli told this newspaper that he would not rest on his laurels. "My aim next year is to break into the top 100 and start doing well in open tournaments."

Building a successful sports career may mean spending many years abroad, an option which most of our budding athletes are reluctant to consider.

My colleague at the sports desk reminded me that Nicol wouldn't be the player she is today had she stayed in Malaysia.

Similarly, this is also the case for cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang and his teammates who took up the challenge and moved to Melbourne. They are now winning medals at the world stage.

Badminton icon Datuk Lee Chong Wei was quite fortunate as he had good sparring partners when he was an up-and-coming player.

Funding is also a pressing issue. Currently, it is still very much government driven.

There was a sharp spike in federal allocations when we won the bid to host the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Since then, sports bodies and associations, irrespective of how successful they are, are unable to wean off their reliance on government finances.

We always wonder why Germany excels in sports.

One Malaysian who grew up there noted that in Germany, schools in the same neighbourhood form a sports club and share the facilities. In Malaysia, each school tries to have facilities and coaches (mostly untrained) for every sport!

As such, sports should start in schools and the community. Just like in Australia or Germany, where it is a way of life.

The Youth and Sports Ministry, which has declared 2011-2012 as Sports Industry Year, wants to turn sports into big business to help lift the standards of sports in the country.

It wants more private sector investment in sports via sponsorships, training, infrastructure development, event management, merchandising, production of apparel, sports equipment, sports nutrition and many more.

In terms of gross national income, our sports industry was worth an estimated RM30.2 billion in 2009, or five per cent of the total gross domestic product.

Commentators doubt whether the ministry's plan can take off. "Do we have the ingredients to develop a thriving sports industry?" asks a former sports writer. "The industry can only go big if there is a market.

"Banks were big in sports at one time. They were the biggest employers of sportsmen and sportswomen. Unfortunately, most banks have merged and now sports does not feature highly on their list of priorities.

"Inter-bank championships in the 1980s drew greater interest than national meets. Even government departments and government-linked companies have stopped or reduced hiring of sportsmen and sportswomen. Maybe Tenaga Nasional still, but then it is limited to only hockey," he noted.

Once the current crop of top-notch players bow out of the world arena, we will once again be devoid of our own sporting kings and queens.

Developing new ones will take years and a lot of sweat and tears. We have to act now.

Otherwise, we will end up as a mere spectator nation.

Read more: NST

By A.Jalil Hamid

Building a successful sports career may mean spending many years abroad, an option which most of our budding athletes are reluctant to consider

Hilang Sebutir Permata Sukan Memanah

2011-11-16T01:12:00.000-08:00

ULU TIRAM - Jenazah Pemanah elit paralimpik negara, Mohd Salam Sidik, 28, selamat disemadikan di Tanah Perkuburan Islam Sungai Tiram, di sini, kira-kira jam 11 malam, semalam.

Turut berada di tanah perkuburan berkenaan adalah kedua ibu bapanya, adik beradik, saudara mara, jiran, rakan seperjuangan dalam bidang sukan dan kakitangan Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN).
Jenazah Allahyarham selamat di bawa pulang ke rumahnya di Kampung Sungai Tiram, di sini, terlebih dahulu, selepas mendapat kebenaran pihak hospital sekitar jam 10 malam untuk diberikan penghormatan terakhir.

Terdahulu, Allahyarham Mohd Salam mengadu sakit kepala dan berehat di kediaman atlet Casa I, MSN sebelum disedari tenat oleh rakannya.

Beliau meninggal dunia pada pukul 1 petang ketika dalam perjalanan ke HUKM, semalam.

Sepanjang kerjayanya sebagai atlet, Mohd. Salam pernah beraksi di Sukan Paralimpik Athens (2004) dan Beijing (2008).

Beliau juga pernah menduduki ranking No. 1 dunia Kesatuan Memanah Antarabangsa (FITA) pada tahun 2009.

Al-Fatihah!

Tarikh : November 16, 2011 - Sinar Harian

Zulfadli pengganti Chong Wei

2011-11-07T18:47:00.001-08:00

ZULFADLI akan menamatkan karie selaku pemain remaja pada tahun ini.

JUARA remaja dunia, juara remaja Asia, juara Sukan Komanwel Remaja dan juara remaja kebangsaan.
Itulah pencapaian bintang badminton muda negara, Zulfadli Zulkifli yang dilakarnya sepanjang tahun ini.
Simboliknya, kesemua kejayaan tersebut dilakar ketika dia bakal menamatkan karier selaku pemain remaja pada tahun ini.

Ini kerana, usia Zulfadli bakal menjangkau 19 tahun pada tahun depan.
Berdasarkan pencapaian itu, dia kini disebut-sebut sebagai calon paling sesuai bagi menggantikan tempat jaguh perseorangan negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei andai dia bersara kelak.
Bagaimanapun, bagi Zulfadli yang bernaung di bawah Kelab Raket Kuala Lumpur (KLRC), dia tidak mahu terburu-buru untuk memikirkan sasaran itu.

Sebaliknya, dia meletakkan sasaran dua hingga tiga tahun lagi untuk menggalas cabaran sebagai pemain No. 1 negara di pentas antarabangsa kerana masih banyak perlu diperbaiki terutama dalam corak permainannya.
"Saya tipu kalau saya katakan saya langsung tidak memasang impian untuk menjadi pemain No. 1 negara. Mana-mana pemain sekalipun pasti memikirkan perkara yang sama seperti saya.

"Namun, bukan mudah sebenarnya untuk bergelar pemain No. 1 negara. Banyak perkara yang perlu diperbaikinya terutama dalam corak permainan. Saya perlu bersedia dari semua aspek.
"Dalam tempoh terdekat ini, memang sukar untuk saya untuk menggalas cabaran sebagai pemain No. 1 negara tetapi saya meletakkan sasaran selama dua hingga tiga tahun lagi daripada sekarang," kata Zulfadli ketika dihubungi Kosmo! kelmarin.

Kelmarin, Zulfadli mencipta sejarah baharu dalam arena sukan badminton tanah air apabila menjadi pemain Malaysia pertama muncul selaku juara pada Kejohanan Badminton Dunia 2011 di Taiwan.
Malah, dia turut membantu skuad badminton negara muncul juara dalam acara berpasukan campuran pada kejohanan yang sama.

Sebelum itu, dia turut mencipta sejarah apabila merangkul kejuaraan pada Kejohanan Badminton Asia 2011 di India Julai lalu sebelum memenangi pingat pada temasya Sukan Komanwel Remaja di United Kingdom, September lalu.

"Alhamdulillah, segala usaha serta kerja keras saya selama memang berbaloi dengan muncul juara dalam kejohanan-kejohanan besar.

"Malah, yang paling menarik, kesemua kejuaraan dalam kejohanan besar saya capai pada tahun ini. Ia telah menutup karier saya sebagai pemain remaja dengan pencapaian yang membanggakan," jelas Zulfadli.
Zulfadli bakal menggalas cabaran negara pada Kejohanan Badminton Cabaran Antarabangsa Sandakan 2011 yang bakal bermula pada 22 hingga 27 November ini sebelum menghadapi Grand Prix (GP) Terbuka Macau tiga hari kemudian.

Dia bersama barisan pemain badminton remaja negara negara yang lain telahpun selamat tiba di tanah air dari Taiwan semalam.

Oleh HELMI TALKAH
helmi.talkah@kosmo.com.my

TPM ucap tahniah buat Nicol, jaguh badminton

2011-11-07T18:46:00.001-08:00

PUTRAJAYA - Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin semalam mengucapkan tahniah kepada Datuk Nicol David, dan tiga pemain badminton remaja, Zulfadli Zulkifli, Nelson Heg serta Teo Ee Yi atas kejayaan yang dilakar di Belanda dan Taiwan, kelmarin.

Menurut Timbalan Perdana Menteri, kejayaan Nicol amat membanggakan apabila berjaya melakar sejarah baru skuasy wanita dunia dengan merangkul kejuaraan kali keenam, sekal gus memadam rekod milik mentornya, Sarah Fitz-Gerald dari Australia yang sebelum ini memegang lima gelaran.

''Jelas kejuaraan yang diperolehi beliau dalam masa 29 minit menewaskan pilihan kedua, Jenny Duncalf dari England mempamer kewibawaan Datuk Nicol yang tiada tolok bandingannya di dalam dunia sukan skuasy," katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini, semalam.

Muhyiddin pada masa yang sama turut mengucapkan tahniah kepada jaguh badminton negara, Zulfadli dan beregu Nelson-Ee Yi yang merangkul kejuaraan berganda perseorangan dan beregu lelaki Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Dunia di Taiwan.

"Syabas dan jutaan tahniah diucapkan kepada Zulfadli kerana telah mengharumkan nama Malaysia dan mencipta sejarah apabila muncul sebagai pemain Malaysia pertama menjuarai acara perseorangan lelaki Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Dunia.

"Tahniah juga diucapkan kepada pasangan beregu Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi yang memberi kejuaraan berganda kepada pasukan badminton Malaysia," katanya lagi.
Muhyiddin berkata, beliau berdoa agar kejayaan mereka menjadi pencetus kepada lebih banyak kejayaan yang bakal dicipta atlet negara dalam mana-mana pertandingan yang disertai.

Beliau yakin rakyat Malaysia berbangga dengan kejayaan yang dimiliki oleh wira dan wirawati sukan negara.
"Tentunya tanpa usaha gigih dan latihan berterusan, kecekalan jiwa serta kesabaran yang terpaksa dilalui oleh jaguh-jaguh sukan ini, kemenangan diperolehi tidak mudah dicapai.

"Tidak diupakan juga kejuaraan mereka berkat dorongan serta doa dari ahli keluarga, para jurulatih, pengurus-pengurus pasukan dan semestinya semua peminat sukan negara," katanya.

UTUSAN MALAYSIA

Zulfadli, Nelson-Ee Yi pastikan kegemilangan

2011-11-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

TEO Ee Yi (kiri) dan Nelson Heg melengkapkan kegemilangan skuad badminton negara pada Kejohanan Remaja Dunia selepas merangkul kejuaraan beregu lelaki di Taiwan, semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR - Selepas melakar sejarah merangkul kejuaraan berpasukan buat kali pertama, Zulfadli Zulkifli dan beregu, Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi melengkapkan hari gemilang Malaysia dengan dengan merangkul gelaran berganda individu pada Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Dunia di Taiwan, semalam.

Zulfadli mencipta sejarah muncul pemain negara sulung bergelar juara remaja dunia perseorangan lelaki selepas menewaskan juara bertahan yang juga pilihan utama, Viktor Axelsen dari Denmark 21-18, 9-21, 21-19.

Empat bulan selepas dinobatkan sebagai juara Asia, pemain yang bernaung di bawah kelab KLRC itu berjaya merealisasikan apa yang gagal dilakukan Yeoh Kay Bin pada 1998 dan Iskandar Zulkanain Zainuddin, dua tahun lalu.

"Alhamdulillah, saya rasa bersyukur kerana mencipta nama untuk Malaysia meraih gelaran sulung perseorangan lelaki dan lebih bermakna pada sambutan Aidiladha.

"Kemenangan ini saya tujukan sudah pasti kepada bapa yang juga jurulatih peribadi saya, Zukiffli Sidek, ibu serta adik-adik. Tidak lupa juga kepada penaja saya, KLRC dan Forza," katanya dalam satu pesanan ringkas kepada Utusan Malaysia semalam.

Zulfadli bermula garang pada set pertama untuk selesa mendahului 17-9, namun hilang rentak seketika dan memberi ruang untuk Axelsen mengejar sehingga 17-14. Mujur pemain berusia 18 tahun itu tenang untuk menghabiskan set pembukaan dengan kemenangan 21-18.

Cerita set kedua penuh berat sebelah menyaksikan Zulfadli gagal menyaingi pemainan agresi Axelsen yang meraih 11 mata menerusi smash untuk menang mudah 21-9.

Set penentuan berlangsung sengit dengan kedua-dua pemain mengejar antara satu sama lain untuk terikat 8-8 sebelum Axelsen mula meningkatkan permainan untuk membuka jurang 12-8.
Namun, Zulfadli bangkit merapatkan kedudukan pada 12-13, sebelum pertarungan kembali sengit sehingga 18-18. Dia akhirnya menang 21-19.

Dua jam selepas itu, tiba giliran Nelson-Ee Yi menghadiahkan keceriaan berganda buat kem Malaysia apabila menumpaskan pasangan tuan rumah, Huang Po Jui-Lin Chia Yu 21-17, 21-17.
Nelson-Ee Yi berjaya menebus kehampaan tahun lalu apabila terpaksa berpuas hati muncul naib juara selepas dikalahkan rakan senegara, Ow Yao Han-Yew Hong Kheng.

Lebih manis ia memastikan kejuaraan beregu lelaki kekal menjadi milik Malaysia untuk tahun keempat berturut-turut selepas Yao Han-Hong Kheng (2010), Chooi Kah Ming-Yao Han (2009) dan Mak Hee Chun-Teo Kok Siang (2008).

Sejak kejohanan diperkenalkan pada 1992, kita memang gah dalam acara beregu lelaki.
Statistik terbukti dengan Malaysia menguasai tujuh kali acara itu daripada 13 edisi keseluruhannya termasuk tahun ini.

Jeremy Gan-Chang Chong Ming menjadi juara beregu lelaki pertama Malaysia pada pada 1996. diikuti Chong Ming-Teo Kok Seng (1997) dan Hoon Thien How-Tan Boon Heong (2004).

Malaysia juga pernah dua kali muncul juara beregu campuran menerusi gandingan Chong Ming- Joanne Quay pada 1996, sebelum diulangi oleh beregu berbakat, Lim Khim wah-Ng Hui Lin, empat tahun lalu.

Zulfadli, Nelson-Ee Yi pastikan kegemilangan

Di puncak dunia!

2011-11-07T18:37:00.001-08:00

NICOL David mencipta rekod menjuarai gelaran dunia kali keenam selepas mudah menewaskan pemain No. 2 dunia, Jenny Duncalf 11-2, 11-5, 11-0 di Rotterdam, Belanda semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR - Semalam merupakan hari gemilang buat sukan tanah air, apabila jaguh skuasy, Datuk Nicol David memahat rekod muncul juara dunia buat kali keenam di Rotterdam, hanya beberapa jam selepas Zulfadli Zulkifli dan Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi merangkul kejuaraan berganda perseorangan lelaki dan beregu lelaki Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Dunia di Taiwan.

Pemain No. 1 dunia, Nicol membuktikan mengapa dia layak diiktiraf dalam Dewan Kemasyuran (Hall of Fame) Persatuan Skuasy Dunia (WSF) apabila mudah membenam pemain No. 2 dunia, Jenny Duncalf dari England 11-2, 11-5, 11-0 untuk ditabal sebagai juara.
Nicol, 28, mengesahkan statusnya selaku pemain terbaik sepanjang zaman dalam sejarah skuasy wanita dunia apabila melakar rekod baru dengan memintas rekod lama milik mentornya, Sarah Fitz Gerald dari Australia yang muncul juara lima kali.

Malah semalam, Nicol hanya memerlukan 29 minit untuk menumpaskan Duncalf, biarpun jaguh England itu antara pemain terbaik dunia.

"Fikiran saya kosong sekarang, saya tidak memikirkan apa-apa...saya hilang kata-kata.
"Memenangi gelaran dunia ialah sesuatu yang besar dan penuh bermakna untuk dirisaya. Saya gembira untuk menujukan kejayaan ini kepada seluruh rakyat Malaysia,"kata Nicol yang beraksi di depan kedua-dua ibu-bapanya, Desmond David dan Ann Marie.

Tewas tiga kali tahun ini, dua kepada Laura Massaro dan sekali di tangan Kasey Brown, Nicol dilihat mungkin sudah mula menunjukkan tanda kemerosotan, namun persembahan garang yang dipamerkannya semalam langsung tidak menunjukkan dirinya berada penghujung karier.

Tidak dapat dipastikan apakah faktor yang mempengaruhi Jenny sehingga tewas sebegitu mudah, namun jika statistik lampau diambil kira, Jenny mungkin dibelenggu dengan fakta bahawa dia cuma menang dua kali dalam 28 pertemuan antara kedua-dua mereka.

Nicol turut memberi sokongan agar skuasy dapat menjadi acara Sukan Olimpik, menerusi komen ringkas: "Saya sanggup menggadaikan enam gelaran dunia yang dimiliki untuk satu pingat emas Olimpik."

Terdahulu, anak muda berusia 18 tahun, Zulfadli melakar sejarah dengan menghadiahkan gelaran sulung Malaysia dalam perseorangan lelaki pada Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Dunia selepas menumpaskan Viktor Axelsen dari Denmark 21-18, 9-21, 21-19.

Nelson-Ee Yi memberi kejuaraan berganda dengan menewaskan pasangan tuan rumah Po Jui Huang dan Chia Yu Lin 21-17, 21-17.

Oleh TAN MING WAI
tan.mingwai@utusan.com.my

Nicol tempa nama dalam Dewan Kemasyhuran WSF

2011-11-07T18:25:00.001-08:00

Nicol David tergolong antara pemain terhebat sepanjang zaman apabila namanya akan dimasukkan ke dalam senarai Dewan Kemasyhuran Persekutuan Skuasy Dunia.

KUALA LUMPUR - Pemain wanita No. 1 dunia, Datuk Nicol David kini tergolong antara pemain paling terulung sepanjang zaman apabila namanya akan dimasukkan ke dalam senarai Dewan Kemasyhuran (Hall of Fame) Persekutuan Skuasy Dunia (WSF).

Nicol, 28, akan diberi penghormatan pada satu majlis makan malam sempena Kejohanan Terbuka Dunia dan Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan WSF di Rotterdam, esok.

"Untuk diiktiraf pencapaian saya setaraf seperti sekumpulan pemain handalan dalam sejarah tatkala saya masih aktif bertanding, perasaannya adalah tak dapat digambarkan.

"Ia sungguh menakjubkan dan saya berasa amat bangga. Meskipun telah bermain dalam sirkit profesional untuk lebih 10 tahun, anugerah ini tidak bermakna saya merancang untuk bersara," ujar Nicol kegembiraan sebaik dimaklumkan berita baik itu.

Gadis kelahiran Pulau Pinang itu juga mengintai rekod gelaran keenam Terbuka Dunia yang sedang rancak berlangsung di bandar raya Belanda tersebut minggu ini.

Nicol yang memiliki 55 gelaran Jelajah Dunia, telah pun menyamai rekod mentornya, Sarah Fitz-Gerald dengan merangkul gelaran dunia kelima tahun lalu.

Pada Mac lalu, Nicol memintas bekas jaguh Australia, Michelle Martin untuk menjadi pemain kedua paling lama memegang status pemain No.1 Persatuan Pemain Skuasy Wanita Antarabangsa (WISPA) sepanjang zaman.

Memasuki bulan ini, Nicol sudah menjangkau bulan ke-67 (sejak Ogos 2006) di persada ranking WISPA, namun masih jauh perlu mengejar Susan Devoy dari New Zealand yang gah dengan rekod 105 bulan.
Nicol bakal menjadi pemain ke-12 dalam senarai dewan kemasyuran yang juga menampilkan Michelle, Sarah dan Susan bagi pemain wanita selain dua legenda Pakistan, Jahanghir Khan dan Jansher Khan untuk lelaki.

Oleh TAN MING WAI
tan.mingwai@utusan.com.my

Former MHF secretary Aryaduray dies at 86

2011-10-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian sports lost another great administrator when K. Aryaduray (pic), one of Malaysian Hockey Federation’s (MHF) founder members, died after a short illness at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre here yesterday.

He was 86.

Aryaduray was the first secretary of the Malayan Hockey Federation (as it was known back in 1953), which took over from the then Malayan Hockey Council (formed in 1948 and which had control of the game in Singapore and Malaya).
Aryaduray was the first secretary of the MHF, serving from 1953 to 1959.

He also had a hand in the forming of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), serving as a secretary as well.
The late N.M. Vasagam was the first secretary of the OCM and Aryaduray was his assistant. Aryaduray took over as secretary from 1957 to 1961.

Among the other posts that he had held were honorary secretary of the Selangor HA (1952-56); honorary secretary of the MHF (1953-59); honorary assistant secretary of the Federation of Malaya Olympic Council (1953-56); honorary secretary of Federation of Malaya Olympic Council (1957-61); Member of the Board of Control, Merdeka Stadium (1957-59); Member of the Council of the Asian Games Federation (1957-61).
The national hockey team took part in the Olympic Games for the first time in Melbourne in 1956 and Aryaduray was the team manager. Malaysia finished ninth out of 12 teams.

Aryaduray also had the distinction of umpiring one of the classification matches at the Games held in Melbourne.

When Aryaduray relinquished his post as MHF secretary, his place was taken over by his protege Datuk G. Vijiyanathan.

“He was a quiet and reserved man. He roped me into hockey. He served in many capacities and had the honour of leading the OCM as well. I do not think that people of this generation will remember him. He was one of those officials who had served at a time when sports was just starting out in this country and who set the framework for what the game is today,” recalled Vijiyanathan.

In 2002, Aryaduray was inducted into the OCM’s Hall of Fame and he was quoted as saying that the “love and passion for the game was the main thing for sportsman and officials of that era”.

Aryaduray leaves behind five children and nine grandchildren to mourn his loss. His son A. Asohan is a former editor in The Star.

The funeral will be held later this week, after the return of his daughters from overseas. Those who wish to pay their respects can do so at No. 4, Lorong 8/3H, Petaling Jaya. For more information, contact 03-79559993.

THE STAR

Late Daud’s family gets compensation from Malaysian National Cycling Federation

2011-10-16T23:58:00.001-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The family of the late Daud Ibrahim received RM15,000 in insurance compensation from the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) yesterday.

Daud, an official of the Johor Cycling Association, died in a car accident on Nov 11 last year. He was 63.
Firdaus Ibrahim, Daud’s son, received the cheque on behalf of the family.

Daud won two medals at the 1970 Asian Games, claiming gold in the keirin and a bronze in the 1km time trial.
The next year, he delighted the Kuala Lumpur crowd with five titles at the South- East Asian (SEAP) Games.
He also represented the nation at the 1972 Olympics and 1974 Commonwealth Games.

THE STAR

20-Year-old Back Up Squad Bowler Dies Of Heart Failure

2011-10-16T23:35:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- National back up squad bowler Khoo Beng Khai, 20, died of heart failure after collapsing at the National Sports Council (NSC) car park in Bukit Jalil, lWednesday night.

NSC director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong said Khoo had collapsed while trying to park his car at 11.45pm after returning from supper with fellow bowlers.

"I was told that Khoo had just returned from supper at a nearby restaurant with four fellow bowlers. During the incident the friends panicked when Khoo suddenly collapsed.

"They managed to stop the car by applying the emergency brake (hand brake) before calling an ambulance," Zolkples told reporters after paying his last respects at the Serdang Hospital.

Khoo was pronounced dead at 1.15am after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts failed to revive him.

Zolkples said Khoo had not shown any signs of health problems because a medical check up done two months ago was good.

"Khoo demise is a big loss to bowling because he is a very determined and committed bowler who has vast potential and can go far," he said.

Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress honorary secretary Sidney Tung said the body of Khoo would be taken to his home town in Penang for burial on Saturday.

The late Khoo won the Youth Open at the 34th Canon Malaysia International Open Championships this year as well as the 11th Milo International Junior All Stars Bowling Championships in 2010.

-- BERNAMA

Hammering the elusive GOLD

2011-10-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

The name Ghenda Singh may not featureprominently in the pages of history books but the sheer grit and determination of this man will surely rank amongst the country's most famous sportsmen.

Genda was a hammer thrower who ruled supreme at national level and donned national colours with pride despite the fact that honours did not come his way from the international front.

What made Ghenda stand ahead and shoulders above the other, apart from his frame, was the fact that he was an active participant right until the age of 51 - or until he retired from the police force.

This is all the more remarkable as many of his compatriots in athletics had call it quits while being only in their 20s. As they went on to focus on thier families and jobs, Ghenda sacrificed his time and effort to bring honours to the nation.

R.I.P Ghenda Singh

2011-10-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Former national hammer thrower, Ghenda Singh Amar Singh passed away at the University Malaya Medical Centre on Sunday (9/10/11). He was 89.

I do not know Ghenda that well but I have been a close friend with his son Semret Singh, another national hammer thrower, since the 1980s. I know how much Semret looked up to his father and at this time, I would like to extend my deepest condolence to Semret and his brothers and sister.

Semret continued the tradition and won two Sea Games gold medals (1985 Bangkok and 1989 KL) and even broke his father's record of 44.14m after managing 51.644m at the Police Games in 1986.

The earlier record was set by Ghenda in 1966 in Ipoh.

Ghenda started competing in 1960 and retired after the 1977 KL Seap Games at the age of 55. A pectoral muscle tear did not stop him as he defied doctors' orders to compete in the 1977 Games. He won the bronze medal.

Ghenda leaves behind wife Mohinder Kaur, sons — Semret, Kulwant, Kaldip, Manohor, Mahinderjit — and daughter Persin Kaur to mourn his loss.

Those wishing to pay their last respects can do so at No 2, Jalan BRP 4/10, Bukit Rahman Putra, Sungai Buloh, 47000, Selangor. The cottage will leave the house at 10.00am on Wednesday to Jalan Loke Yew Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur. - FAIR PLAY

Former Pahang star Azam is dead

2011-10-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

FORMER Pahang footballer Azam Bakar, who guided the state to their first Malaysia Cup title in 1983, lost his battle against cancer yesterday.

The 54-year-old defender died at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan about 12.30pm after fighting liver cancer for more than two months, which eventually left him bedridden.

Azam, from Kampung Seberang Guai, Temerloh, was a member of the victorious Pahang team that also featured Rosmaini Mohd Shah, Datuk Jamal Nasir and Tajuddin Nor, who edged Selangor 3-2 after extra-time at Merdeka Stadium.

After donning state colours between 1978 and 1984, the father of four chose to hang up his boots and turned to coaching.

He became assistant to former chief coach Mike Brown who led Pahang to their second Malaysia Cup title in 1992.

He also served as assistant to former Pahang coach Jorgen E. Larsen and Fuzzeimi Ibrahim before signing up as coach for the Pahang Agriculture Development Authority side that featured in the 1995 Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) League.

Azam leaves behind wife, Zainab Arifin, 52 and four children, Azrul Syaffiq, 26, Alia Syafiqa, 23, Amirul Syafiqq, 21 and Aidil Syafiq, 16.

Present at the Bukit Ubi Muslim burial ground yesterday were former teammates, including Tajuddin, Abdullah Din and Terengganu T-Team coach Yunus Aliff. -- T.N. ALAGESH

Read more: NST

Former National Footballer Seeks Help To Pay Medical Bills

2011-09-21T18:53:00.001-07:00

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- A former national footballer, who played in the 1960s, is seeking help to pay for his medical expanses for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and kidney failure.

Wheelchair-bound Abu Hassan Mohamad, 74, who is also a Prisons Department pensioner, had his right leg amputated two weeks ago due to diabetes.

"I have to undergo dialysis treatment three times a week and admitted a few times a year at the Penang Hospital," he told reporters here Wednesday.

He is asking for help from the National Athlete Welfare Foundation, the Football Association of Malaysia, the Penang Football Association and the public as he had to spent almost his entire pension of about RM1,000 to pay his monthly medical bills.

Abu Hassan, who played as a left winger, was fielded when the national squad played to a 1-1 draw in a friendly against England B at Merdeka Stadium in 1978 and retired at the age of 35 before coaching the Penang squad.

He had played alongside Ghani Mihad, Dutton Harold, Datuk M Kuppan, S Govindarajo, Jalil Che Din and Kamaruddin Ahmad in the national squad besides donning Penang and Perak jerseys.

Abu Hassan, who resides at the Penang Development Corporation Flat in Lebuh Nipah, Sungai Nibong with his wife, Norsiah Mydin, 62, has three sons, who already have families of their own and they could not foot the medical bills.

Abu Hassan could be reached at 013-5042015.

-- BERNAMA

Badminton legend David dies

2011-09-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday September 11, 2011

GEORGE TOWN: (Three-time All-England doubles champion and former politician Datuk David Choong Ewe Leong died in his home in Jalan Pantai Molek off Jalan Tanjung Tokong here.

He was 82.

His brother Datuk Eddy Choong, 81, whom he partnered to win consecutive badminton titles from 1951, said David died at 6.30am yesterday after being in a coma for nine years following a stroke.

“The whole family is saddened by his death, but we have to accept it as God's will,” Eddy said.

Prominent champ: A portrait of David with his trophies during his heyday.

“We went through many hardships in life, such as the Japanese occupation. My brother was an intelligent person.

“Even in badminton, he was the brains while I was the brawn.”
Eddy recalled the pain each time he visited his brother in recent years. “It really hurt that he could not recognise me.”

David leaves behind three sons and a daughter.

The funeral is expected to take place in Pulau Tikus at 2pm tomorrow.

David also shared the All-England mixed doubles crown with June White Timperly in 1953. He was inducted into the International Badminton Hall of Fame in 1998.

The former Penang Free School student, who read law at Trinity College in Cambridge University, returned to Malaysia after Merdeka and joined MCA.

He was the party's former Penang Youth chief.

David was also a former state executive councillor having won the seat in the 1961 Penang City Council elections on an MCA ticket.

THE STAR

Negri mourns the demise of two internationals

2011-09-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

TWO double internationals from Negri Sembilan, M. Joseph, 77, and Peter van Huizen, 75, have died.

Peter died on Sunday, while Joseph died yesterday morning.

Both were a rare breed who played hockey and football for the country, something present day sportsmen can't even dream of doing.

Peter only started playing hockey when he was 20, and that too by chance as he happened to be at the Negri Sembilan Padang and was invited to play for the Negri Sembilan Ceylonese Association (NSCA).

He went on to become a pillar between the posts in hockey and was among the 18 young men who represented Malaysia at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo. Peter was voted world's Best Goalkeeper in 1956.

He also played football for Negri Sembilan Indians Association (NSIA) and Seremban Rangers, the Negri state team in 1952 and represented Malaysia at the 1959 SEAP Games in Bangkok.

Peter then started coaching Seremban Municipal Council in 1985 and among the goalkeepers he spotted and trained were Hamdan Hamzah, who played for the National Juniors in 1989, Osbert Pinto (a winger turned goalkeeper) and recent former international and goalkeepers' coach Nasihin Nubli.

And Joseph was also made of the same stuff, as he too represented the country in hockey and football.

He represented then Malaya in football from 1947 to 1953, while in hockey, he played in the 1958 Tokyo Asian Games and in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games.

After he retired, Joseph or fondly called 'One-eyed Jo', started coaching in the early 1980s and under his coaching were G. Torairaju, Tony Chia and Zainuddin Hussein.

Joseph kept himself active by playing in the NS League for NSCA as well as the state veterans' squad.

Negri Sembilan HA secretary P. Tamilselvan said both Peter and Joseph were prides of the state.

"Both of them were pillars of society as well as sports and it is a great loss to the state," said Tamilselvan.

Read more: NST

2011-08-24T19:12:00.001-07:00

Dua gol Supermokh pernah benam Arsenal

2011-07-11T19:14:00.001-07:00

Aksi Mokhtar Dahari ketika menentang pasukan luar negara pada tahun 1980-an.

KUALA LUMPUR - Semalam genap dua dekad penyerang legenda bola sepak negara dan Asia era 70-an hingga 80-an, Allahyarham Datuk Mokhtar Dahari atau Supermokh kembali ke rahmatullah.
Menjelang perlawanan persahabatan dengan Arsenal di Bukit Jalil, esok, nama Supermokh kembali dikenang apabila beliau pernah mencipta sejarah dengan meledak dua gol untuk menewaskan kelab England itu 2-0 di Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur pada 11 Mei 1975.

Anak jati Setapak, Kuala Lumpur ini menghembuskan nafas terakhir di Pusat Perubatan Subang Jaya, Selangor pada pukul 8.25 pagi 11 Julai 1991 ketika berusia 37 tahun akibat penyakit motor neurone.
Allahyarham meninggalkan seorang balu, Tengku Zarina Tengku Ibrahim dan tiga anak, Mohamad Redza yang juga bekas pemain bola sepak Selangor, Nur Azera dan Nur Arina.

Mokhtar dan Diego Maradona turut bertembung di Stadium Merdeka dalam perlawanan persahabatan antara Pilihan Selangor dengan Boca Juniors pada 1982, empat tahun sebelum bekas jagoan dan jurulatih Argentina itu menjulang Piala Dunia di Mexico.

Malah gol Mokhtar antaranya menerusi rembatan deras lagi tepat bak peluru ke atas England B di Stadium Merdeka pada 1978 mengagumkan ramai pemain, jurulatih, wartawan dan peminat dalam dan luar negara untuk mengikat lawan 1-1.

Gara-gara rembatan jarak jauh yang menewaskan Joe Corrigan itulah, gelaran Supermokh melekat padanya sehingga jurulatih England B, Bobby Robson berkata, "Gol itu sesuatu yang istimewa dan antara yang terbaik pernah saya saksikan."

Sepanjang mewakili Selangor dan Malaysia dari 1971 hingga 1987, Mokhtar menjaringkan 177 gol dalam Piala Malaysia dan 125 gol di pentas antarabangsa selain menjulang trofi itu 10 kali, Pestabola Merdeka, pingat emas Sukan Asia 1974 dan Sukan SEA 1979 di samping bergelar Olahragawan Kebangsaan 1976.
Allahyarham turut dianugerahkan sebagai Ahli Kelab Seabad Gabungan Bola Sepak Asia (AFC) 1999 manakala pada 8 Mei 2010, Kementerian Belia dan Sukan memberikan penghormatan kepadanya dengan menamakan salah satu gelanggang Kompleks Futsal Putrajaya, Gelanggang Mokhtar Dahari.

Selain itu Kumpulan Utusan pernah menerbitkan sebuah buku biografi khas untuk Allahyarham berjudul 'Mokhtar Dahari - Perginya Seorang Legenda Bola Sepak' dengan kata-kata pentingnya dipetik berbunyi, "saya bekerja keras untuk apa yang saya capai hari ini."

Di luar gelanggang, Supermokh turut berbakat sebagai penulis sukan dengan diundang sebagai kolumnis 'Mokhtar Dahari Menulis' dalam majalah terbitan Kumpulan Utusan, Dunia Sukan sekitar 1980-an selain mendukung watak kecil filem komedi, 'Mekanik' pada 1983.

Biografinya berjudul The Untold Truth About Supermokh turut ditayangkan menerusi National Geographic Channel pada 30 Ogos 2010.

Oleh ABDUL HAFIZ AHMAD
hafiz.ahmad@utusan.com.my

Bakri Ibni bintang yang dilupakan

2011-05-22T20:51:00.001-07:00

BAKRI berkhidmat secara percuma di Akademi Bolasepak Kelab Nuri bagi membimbing generasi muda.

MENGETAHUI calon yang akan ditemubual penulis bagi ruangan Nostalgia Jaguh minggu ini ialah bekas jaguh bola sepak negara, Bakri Ibni - namanya tidaklah seglamor 'Supermokh', Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari, 'Tauke' Soh Chin Aun, mahu pun Hassan 'Lipas Kudung' Sani - maka sehari sebelum itu, terpaksalah penulis membuat sedikit homework untuk mengenalinya secara ringkas.

Tidak sukar untuk mencari latar belakang seseorang jaguh sukan. Anda hanya perlukan enjin pencarian Google, taipkan saja nama. Itulah yang dilakukan penulis dan terpaparlah hasil pencarian mengenai Bakri.
Baru penulis kenal rupa-rupanya beliau ialah pemain bola era 70-an dan 80-an, dan beliau juga anggota kesebelasan utama yang melakar kemenangan sensasi 2-1 ke atas Korea Selatan, sekaligus layak ke Olimpik 1980 di Moscow.

Lebih menarik, Bakri adalah salah seorang penjaring gol dalam nostalgia 6 April 1980 di Stadium Merdeka yang masih menjadi sebutan sehinggalah hari ini.

Bagaimanapun, butiran mengenai gol pembukaan yang dijaringkan Bakri gagal dicari dalam mana-mana laman web, yang diketahui ia dihasilkan pada minit ke-12.
Sebaliknya, gol kemenangan pada babak akhir permainan yang diilhamkan Hassan dengan larian pantas mengatasi dua pemain lawan sebelum meleretkan bola itu untuk disudahkan James Wong, dapat ditonton kerana ia dimuatnaik dalam laman Youtube.

Maka dengan itu, penulis berazam mahu memastikan jaringan gol Bakri juga harus diimbas semula untuk pengetahuan pembaca, bukan sekadar pada minit ke-12 seperti yang terpapar dalam kebanyakan laman web.
Jadi, soalan pertama penulis terhadap Bakri yang kini berusia 57 tahun, pada pertemuan Selasa lalu ialah bagaimanakah gol itu menjelma?

Bakri yang memakai kemeja dan berkopiah berkata: "Pada masa itu, saya meluru ke dalam kotak penalti begitu juga James. Satu hantaran jauh dari Shukor Salleh ditujukan kepada James, namun bola termuntah kepada saya yang berada di kanan gawang. James dikawal ketat oleh beberapa pertahanan lawan.
"Jadi saya mengambil kesempatan mengawal bola itu tapi pada masa sama penjaga gol Korea Selatan telah meluru keluar. Saya tenang menolak bola itu menewaskannya.

"Bek kanan Korea berlari ke arah gawangnya sendiri cuba mengeluarkan bola, namun sudah terlewat. Mereka cuba membantah gol itu tidak sah kerana mendakwa bola masih belum melepasi garis gol, namun penjaga garisan teguh dengan keputusannya...saya amat pasti dia jelas melihatnya, begitu juga penonton di stadium.

"Gol tersebut sememangnya cukup bermakna sepanjang karier bola sepak saya."
Korea Selatan menyamakan kedudukan menerusi Kim Gang-nan pada minit ke-58 sebelum gandingan Hassan dan James membuatkan puluhan ribu penyokong Malaysia di Stadium Merdeka bersorak kegembiraan pada malam tersebut.

Terdahulu, skuad negara ketika itu yang dididik Karl Heinz-Weigang pada peringkat kumpulan juga menewaskan Korea dengan 3-0, seri 1-1 dengan Jepun, membelasah Filipina 8-0 dan Indonesia juga dibaham 6-1.

Malaysia menamatkan saingan sebagai juara kumpulan tersebut, namun terpaksa berdepan perlawanan dengan naib juara, Korea menentukan siapa menempah satu lagi tiket mengiringi Syria dan Kuwait mewakili Asia.

Bagaimanapun, Bakri dan rakan-rakan tidak kesampaian beraksi di Rusia berikutan keputusan kerajaan menyahut seruan Amerika Syarikat memboikot temasya berkenaan. Tempat Malaysia digantikan Iraq.
Biarpun tidak jadi ke Olimpik, mereka telah dihantar menjelajah dunia termasuk ke New York, Switzerland dan Jerman.

"Yang paling menarik ialah ketika di Jerman. Weigang mengaturkan perlawanan persahabatan dengan sebuah kelab amatur di Frankfurt yang mana kami menang 11-0.
"Weigang mencabar kami, kalau boleh menang dengan jurang 11 gol, dia akan belanja kami makan di luar. Sebaik mendahului 9-0, kesebelasan utama kami dikeluarkan dan digantikan dengan pemain lebih junior seperti Wan Jamak Hassan.

"10 minit berlalu, jumlah jaringan masih tidak berubah dan entah kenapa, Weigang memasukkan semula Chin Aun untuk bermain sebagai penyerang. Ternyata Tauke memang unggul dan hebat, dia tambah dua gol untuk menjadikan kedudukan 11-0

"Di Zurich, kami bertemu kelab profesional Liga Swiss, Grasshoppers FC. Menyangka kami mudah diratah, mereka silap selepas kami mendahului 2-0. Perlawanan berkesudahan 2-2," ujarnya.
Mengenai latar belakang bola sepaknya pada peringkat awal, Bakri memberitahu, beliau bermain bola sepak secara kompetitif seawal usia 10 tahun.

"Ketika itu, saya bermain di bawah bimbingan Syed Yazid Abdan yang mengendalikan budak-budak di peringkat persekolahan. Saya juga membentuk nilai kepimpinan di dalam diri saya seawal itu, bayangkan saya diberi kepercayaan oleh jurulatih untuk mengemudi latihan seluruh pasukan ketika dia ada urusan lain.
"Untuk kejohanan Sekolah-sekolah ASEAN pertama pada 1969, saya dilantik mengetuai skuad bawah 15 tahun.

"Daripada peringkat sekolah rendah dan menengah mewakili telah negeri, saya kemudian menyertai skuad Singa Utara. Saya tidak pernah berpindah ke pasukan lain sehinggalah pada 1984, saya meninggalkan Perlis atas sebab tertentu dan menyertai Talasco untuk bersatu dengan Allahyarham Mokhtar," katanya.

Bakri juga memiliki kelayakan kejurulatihan dari England dan Jerman, di samping lesen A di Malaysia.
Biarpun pernah menjadi jurulatih skuad kebangsaan dan Perlis, bagi Bakri, saat paling seronok untuknya ialah ketika membimbing pasukan Bank Rakyat yang dianggotai rata-rata daripada golongan kerani, despatch dan pengawal keselamatan, tetapi masih berkeupayaan muncul juara saingan antara bank.

"Satu demi satu divisyen kami panjat, saya sangat bangga dengan pasukan saya kerana mampu bersaing dengan bank-bank lain yang sibuk membeli pemain sana sini. Selama enam tahun itu, saya mempunyai kebebasan penuh dalam mengendalikan pasukan itu," ujarnya.

Ketika ditanya sama ada dia berminat untuk melatih pasukan negeri, Bakri berkata: "Tidak untuk peringkat negeri dan kebangsaan, terlalu banyak campur tangan pihak lain," jawabnya ringkas tanpa mahu mengulas lanjut.

Sesungguhnya sehingga hari ini, cintanya terhadap bola sepak masih begitu mendalam. Selain sibuk berniaga, Bakri masih mencuri masa melibatkan diri dalam bola sepak di peringkat akar umbi.

"Sejak dua tahun lalu, saya menjadi jurulatih Akademi Bola Sepak Nuri secara percuma. Saya akan terus memainkan peranan dalam mengembangkan bola sepak negara, mudah-mudahan ada pemain berbakat daripada kelab ini diterjemahkan kepada pemain bertaraf dunia kelak," katanya mengakhiri perbualan.

Oleh TAN MING WAI
tan.mingwai@utusan.com.my

Nordin bermula, berakhir di Manila

2011-05-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

NORDIN (empat dari kiri) bersama anak-anak didiknya yang bernaung di bawah Nordin Jadi Athletic Club (NJAC) ketika sesi latihan di Stadium Larkin, Johor Bahru. - UTUSAN/RAJA JAAFAR ALI

LAGAK jalannya masih seperti dahulu, bertenaga dan penuh yakin. Biarpun tubuhnya kian dimamah usia, ketangkasannya menghayun kaki menyusuri trek lumba lari di Stadium Tan Sri Hassan Yunus, Larkin, Johor Bahru tetap seperti zaman kegemilangannya pada 1980-an.

Semasa era kemasyhurannya, sebut sahaja nama Nordin Jadi, pasti segenap lapisan masyarakat mengenali wajah atlet tinggi lampai yang mengharumkan nama negara dengan memenangi emas dalam acara 400 meter pada Sukan SEA di Bangkok, Thailand pada 1985.

Nordin mencatat 47.18 saat untuk menewaskan lawannya dari Filipina, Romeo Gido (47.50) dan I. Wayan Budi (48.03), sekali gus memadamkan memori pahit berpuas hati dengan pingat perak di Sukan SEA edisi sebelumnya di Singapura.

Walaupun disanjung, namun Nordin tidak sesekali alpa dengan kejayaan itu, malah semangat juangnya terus berkobar-kobar dengan memenangi beberapa kejohanan sama ada di dalam atau luar negara selepas itu.
Semasa ditemui Utusan Malaysia baru-baru ini, anak kelahiran Bukit Gambir, Muar yang kini berusia 49 tahun itu tetap bersemangat bercerita perkembangan terbaru serta mengimbau kembali nostalgia silam yang tetap 'membalut' perjalanan hidupnya sehingga kini.

Bapa kepada empat cahaya mata ini tidak segera menjawab apabila ditanya kenangan manis semasa masih bergelar atlet, sebaliknya melirikkan senyumnya sambil membayangkan setiap momen manis ketika beraksi di pentas balapan.

Nyata lirikan itu penuh makna dan menurutnya, kenangan yang tidak boleh dilupakan semasa beraksi pada pentas Sukan Olimpik 1984 di Los Angeles, Amerika Syarikat.

"Itulah kali pertama saya masuk Sukan Olimpik. Ketika itu saya berjuang dalam dua acara iaitu 200 meter dan 400 meter. Bayangkan penyertaan pertama membuatkan saya terpaksa berentap dengan jaguh dunia yang lain, namun demi negara dan sukan tercinta, saya tekad untuk berjuang sedaya upaya.

"Pada waktu itu, saya sekadar mampu bertempur sehingga saringan kedua iaitu mendapat tempat kelima dalam acara 200 meter dengan catatan masa 21.88 saat, manakala bagi 400 meter merakam masa 47.12 saat," katanya.

Menurutnya, walaupun tidak berjaya meraih pingat dalam kedua-dua acara itu, namun penyertaan pada Sukan Olimpik tetap membanggakan kerana bukan semua atlet yang mampu bersaing ke peringkat berkenaan.

Bagi acara 200 meter, meskipun tidak berkesempatan berlari bersama jagoan pecut Amerika Syarikat, Carl Lewis, mahupun pemegang rekod dunia, Pietro Mennea dari Itali, pelari yang diundi bersama dalam saringan dua bukan calang-calang orang.

Salah seorangnya, Ralf Lubke dari Jerman Barat ialah pelari pecut yang melangkah ke aksi akhir dan meraih tempat kelima pada temasya tersebut.

Begitu juga dalam acara 400 meter, Nordin berpeluang berlari bersama juara 400 meter benua Afrika, Gabriel Tiacoh dari Ivory Coast, yang merupakan pemenang pingat perak acara berkenaan di Los Angeles.
Nyata penyertaan itu terus membakar semangatnya apabila turut sekali lagi melayakkan diri ke sukan yang sama bagi acara 400 meter di Seoul, Korea Selatan pada 1988.

"Biarpun gagal memenangi sebarang pingat, namun saya berjaya membaca cabaran negara untuk acara 400 meter dengan mendapat tempat keenam dan catatan masa 49.52 saat," katanya.

Dalam tawa yang masih bersisa mengenang kembali memori itu, Nordin yang pernah menerima Anugerah Olympiad pada 2005 berkata, penyertaannya dalam kedua-dua acara di Sukan Olimpik biarpun gagal memenangi sebarang pingat, tetapi dia tetap memberikan saingan kepada jaguh-jaguh dunia yang lain.
Seperkara lagi yang tidak mampu dilupakannya apabila dia sambil berseloroh memberitahu 'segalanya bermula dan berakhir di Manila'.

Menurutnya, penglibatannya dalam pentas sukan antarabangsa sebenarnya bermula apabila menyertai Sukan SEA di Manila, Filipina pada 1981.
"Lebih nostalgia, larian terakhir saya juga ketika beraksi pada Sukan SEA di Manila 10 tahun kemudian," katanya.

Walaupun kini tidak lagi bergelar atlet, cinta Nordin pada sukan olahraga tidak pernah padam dan kini dia meneruskan kerjaya dengan menubuhkan sebuah pusat latihan yang diberi nama Nordin Jadi Athletic Club (NJAC) yang beroperasi di Stadium Tan Sri Hassan Yunus, Larkin.

UTUSAN MALAYSIA

Ishtiaq pernah jadi kebanggaan Asia

2011-04-18T02:24:00.001-07:00

ISHTIAQ sempat meluangkan masanya berbual mesra bersama atlet pelapis negara sebelum sesi latihan dimulakan di trek Majlis Sukan Negara, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, baru-baru ini.

NAMA Ishtiaq Mubarak sudah tidak asing lagi bagi peminat sukan olahraga tanahair, tambahan pula jaguh negara itu adalah antara bintang yang jarang diperoleh negara berikutan kejayaan gemilang yang pernah dilakar dalam acara 110 meter lari berpagar.

Beliau merupakan anak watan yang berjaya melangkah ke Sukan Olimpik sebanyak tiga kali iaitu pada 1968 di Mexico, 1972 di Munich dan yang paling manis adalah pada 1976 di Montreal.

Pada Temasya Olimpik 1976 itu Ishtiaq berjaya mara ke peringkat separuh akhir acara 110m lari berpagar iaitu peringkat paling tinggi buatnya. Malah sehingga kini masih belum ada lagi atlet olahraga tempatan yang mampu menyaingi pencapaian tersebut.

Bagaimanapun, sebelum melakar kejayaan tersebut, Ishtiaq telah melalui pelbagai cabaran yang cukup getir buatnya sebagai atlet olahraga.

Enam tahun sebelum ke Olimpik Montreal 1976, Ishtiaq terlibat dalam kemalangan sewaktu dalam perjalanan dari Seremban ke Kuala Lumpur yang mengakibatkan pemandu kenderaan yang dinaikinya terbunuh, manakala dia pula cedera parah.

Doktor yang merawat Ishtiaq memberitahunya bahawa dia perlu melupakan karier sebagai atlet berikutan kecederaan serius pada tulang pinggul dan rahang muka akibat kemalangan itu.

Keadaan yang dialami Ishtiaq itu sudah cukup membuatnya hampir berputus asa, namun semangat sebagai seorang atlet yang ada dalam tubuhnya membuatkan Ishtiaq kembali bangkit untuk mencabar keupayaannya ketika itu.

Pada tahun 1971 Ishtiaq kembali beraksi dalam Sukan SEA di Kuala Lumpur dan berbekalkan semangat juang tinggi dia berjaya memperoleh pingat emas.

Selepas itu, langkahnya semakin pantas dan keinginannya juga semakin tinggi iaitu ingin menawan Olimpik pada tahun 1972 selepas kecundang pada 1968.

Bagaimanapun, faktor kecederaan menjadi penghalang utama Ishtiaq selepas melangkah kaki ke Olimpik Munich 1972.

''Saya amat kecewa ketika itu kerana jika tidak mengalami kecederaan sudah tentu saya mampu menyumbang sesuatu buat negara.

''Namun itu tidak berakhir dengan kegagalan kerana selepas itu saya mula mengumpul pengalaman yang ada untuk dijadikan sebagai rujukan pada masa akan datang.

''Malah, saya juga sempat menjalani latihan di Jerman sebelum ke Olimpik Montreal 1976 bersama dengan seorang jurulatih kebangsaan yang juga warga Jerman.

''Banyak yang saya belajar antaranya catatan masa saya juga dapat diperbaiki selain berupaya mengawal teknik-teknik semasa lompatan dan larian,'' kata Ishtiaq.

Peluang latihan di Jerman dapat dimanfaatkan dengan baik oleh Ishtiaq apabila berjaya mara ke saingan separuh akhir yang ketika itu dikuasai oleh jaguh dunia dari Amerika Syarikat.

Ishtiaq berupaya mencatat 14.27 saat dalam saringan kedua untuk layak ke separuh akhir, namun ketika pertandingan, dia mencatat 14.21s dan tersingkir.

Kecemerlangan itu membolehkan Ishtiaq dipilih untuk mewakili benua Asia dalam Kejohanan Piala Dunia pertama yang berlangsung di Jerman pada 1977.

Pada kejohanan tersebut Ishtiaq sekadar memperoleh tempat keenam dalam acara 110m lari berpagar.
Kini Ishtiaq yang telah mencecah usia 63 tahun, hanya mampu berkongsi pengalaman dan kemahiran yang ada sebagai jurulatih kepada atlet pelapis dalam acara 110m lari berpagar.

Kepada atlet olahraga yang sedia ada kini, Ishtiaq ada pesanan yang mahu disampaikan.
''Atlet yang sedia ada kini mempunyai semangat serta kualiti yang tinggi dan janganlah sia-siakan masa depan karier anda sebagai atlet olahraga kerana sumbangan anda kepada negara akan terus diingat oleh negara ini.
''Saya tetap berkeyakinan akan ada atlet olahraga mampu mencapai tahap yang saya perolehi di Olimpik Montreal.

''Selagi saya masih berkemampuan untuk melatih, saya akan terus berjuang bagi memastikan akan ada bintang-bintang baru yang mampu bersinar dan yang penting fokus pada apa yang dilakukan,'' jelas Ishtiaq.

Oleh ZAZALI JAMIAN
sukan@utusan.com.my

Prof. Dr. Helmut Digel (GER)

2011-04-06T18:02:00.000-07:00


Date of birth	6 January 1944
Nationality	German
Civil status	Married - 1 child
Languages	German, English

ProfessionDirector of the Institute of Sports Science

Position held within the IAAF
IAAF Vice President since 2001
IAAF Council Member since 1995
Vice Chairman of the IAAF Marketing/Promotion Commission
Member of the IAAF Development Commission

Position held in National Federation
Honorary President of DLV
1993-2001 President DLV (German Athletic Federation)
1994-date Vice-President of the German Olympic Committe

Active sports career:

Former First League Olympic Handball player
Former Coach of an Olympic Handball Team

Past and present offices held

Professor of Sports Sciences at the Universities of Frankfurt and Tübingen and since 1985 at the University of Darmstadt.

Head of the Scientific Council of the German Sports Federation (Deutscher Sportbund)

Member of the Presidency of the German Sports Federation

Member of the board of the Federal Institute of Sports Science (Cologne)

Advisor to the government of Germany in its international co-operation policy on sport

Author on sports systems & development in the following countries: Ecuador, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Nigeria, Peru, Venezuela

Helmut Digel, who guided the German Athletics Federation through the difficult early period of reunification, is now focussing on his work in the IAAF Council, specifically in the area of marketing and promotion

How did you become involved in athletics?
When I was a child, taking part in athletics competitions was a matter of course. High jump, shot put, long jump and sprint fascinated any kid in sport clubs. I myself participated in my regional championships. Later, however, I decided to play handball in the national league. But even then, I continued to compete in athletics.

What do you personally gain from athletics?
Training and competition were of utmost importance to me for finding my identity. Doing exercise in a group, competing against others, showing what one is capable of, these are still very important aspects of pedagogy.

Is there an athlete or a moment in particular that inspired you?
For me personally, outstanding athletes were Manfred Germar, Martin Lauer, and Armin Hary. Willi Holdorf was an idol too after winning an Olympic gold medal in decathlon.

Have you ever been involved in sport in a different way - as a coach or official for example?
Since my early childhood, sport has been the most important part of my life. Besides athletics, I played table tennis in a regional league, later I was coach and I worked on an honorary basis in sporting bodies.

You have one child. Is he or she active in the sports world?
No question, also my son has focused on physical education in school. He is interested in badminton, but also in athletics he is quite strong.

Tell us more about your career outside of the IAAF (Director of an Institute of Sports Science)…
I studied the German language, cultural sciences, sociology, and sports science. Thus, I tried to build my professional career in sport. After my PhD I worked at many universities in the world and soon I was engaged as professor at the University of Frankfurt. From there, my way led me to the university of Darmstadt and then to my hometown university in Tübingern, where I have been directing the institute of sport science for two years now.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I am interested in many things. Unfortunately, I have not got enough time to follow my hobbies. I like skiing, tennis and jogging. I like folk music, but also musicals and in particular guitarists like Eric Clapton.

As President of the DLV, how would you account for Germany's traditional success in athletics, and for the popularity of athletics in your country?
As president of the German athletic federation I have tried to give the federation a new reform structure. It was of major importance to me that the federation entered into long-term partnerships with TV and strong business partners. I managed to do so in those 8 years. Staff has been renewed and communications has been improved. We can be proud of our success.

You became President of the DLV (in 1993) during the unification period of Germany. What problems did you encounter in bringing two different athletics cultures or systems together?
The process of unification will still go on for some more years, until equal conditions will be established in East and West. This applies also to sport and athletics. The process of unification has been mastered by our athletes first. Our national team has a real team spirit now. Overcoming the past is more difficult, in particular for the elder generation where ideological controversies still exist. Feeling nostalgic, some people are likely to forget the dictatorial past of the GDR. They glorify certain conditions and do not want to understand that the former GDR structure cannot be applied to an open democratic society.

You have been DLV President for the past eight years (NDLR Mr Digel will not be standing for re-election). What do you believe your achievements were during this period and what is your legacy?
Upon my election I pointed out that leading positions should be limited in duration for the sake of innovation and the empowerment of women. Therefore, after eight years, I have decided to step down as president, staying however within the DLV. In the past eight years we have achieved a lot. Our national teams have been very successful. After the first year which was not very strong (the DLV hosted the World Championships in Stuttgart in 1993 but its team members enjoyed only modest success), the coaches' structure was reformed, talent promotion was guided by a strict performance philosophy and we coped with the difficult issues like athletics for children and youth. The last couple of years, were finally marked by stability. Our youth team was very successful at the last World Youth Championships and our juniors were ranked first at the World Junior Championships in Chile. At the last World Championships in Seville our team ranked second. At the same time we have succeeded in optimising our economically relevant events, the indoor and outdoor championships, the DLV Gala, and our international combined events meeting. Now, we have got 100,000 spectators a year in the stadia and our TV audience amounts to more than 100 million. The financial situation is stable and the federation's headquarters is an architecturally interesting building owned by the DLV itself.

As Vice-Chairman of the IAAF Marketing-Promotion Commission, do you feel that the IAAF is doing enough to promote athletics, and how do you think we can improve?
The promotion of athletics has to be improved world-wide. This applies also to the promotion of our World Series, our World Championships, the World Cup and any other major event in athletics. In my opinion, communication tools have not been exhausted to the benefit of athletics. For this purpose, however, the IAAF is in need of reliable organisers in the hosting countries. Unfortunately, too often bidding candidates have promised what the event cannot deliver. Because of this there is a permanent danger of losing face with marketing and TV partners.
This risk has to be minimised in the interest of a safe future for the IAAF. This will also enable us to find new business partners. For this purpose our agency ISL needs the support of all member federations. All parties involved have to understand that contracts are the basis of professionalism in sports marketing. Rights that have been granted once have to be respected. They cannot be questioned each time an organisation would like to, for selfish reasons. So, control will become very important to the IAAF. And before awarding attractive events to our members, much more detailed evaluations need to be made in order to avoid ambush marketing, false promises and inadequate sporting facilities.

The IAAF, in collaboration with ISL, is making a significant investment in Internet development. Do you think that the importance of Internet is justified or exaggerated?
Because it is such a new medium, discussions about Internet are sometimes difficult. Only a few people really have the knowledge to talk about the Internet's future. There are also really unrealistic expectations regarding the source of revenue the Internet may represent for federations. Nonetheless, the Internet is an interesting opportunity, also regarding the IAAF website. Completely new means of communication are possible and in particular the prospects for internal communication may be cost saving on a mid-and long-term basis. So, investments in Internet are urgently needed. I would recommend approaching precise projects. They should be planned and subjected to monitoring. Moreover, creative partnerships with internet experts would be useful.

You are heavily involved in the development of sport in Germany and throughout the world, where does this passion for development stem from?
Since the start of my studies, I have been interested in societies and social change, in comparing cultures and in development questions.
Study trips led me at an early stage to visit the so called less developed countries and I soon realised just how unjust social conditions can be and how immense is the gulf between North and South in global terms. We must try to reduce the existing inequality between the continents with mid and long-term policies. Sport can play a prominent role in this respect as I have shown in many scientific evaluations and consultations offered to countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. For me personally, the development activities of the IAAF are the most important investment for the future.
I am glad about any success of athletes coming from so-called developing nations. When global athletics is increasingly composed of smaller nations and less developed countries, we can show that athletics is more than just a sport. However, I would like to add that the development question is not limited to poor and young nations. For quite a long time development has become a question, also for those of us working in the "old" world.

* KBS mendapatkan khidmat perunding dari kerajaan Jerman Barat (pada masa itu) untuk membuat kajian kemungkinan pembinaan sebuah ISN.

Akhirnya datanglah satu pasukan terdiri daripada dua orang pegawai yang diketuai oleh Prof. Helmut Diegel untuk menjalankan kajian berkenaan dan saya menjadi pegawai tempatan kepada pasukan berkenaan.

Kajian telah diselesaikan dan dicadangkan supaya sebuah institut sukan ditubuhkan dengan beberapa jabatan di dalamnya khususnya dalam bidang sains sukan.- Datuk Wira Mazlan Ahmad.

Doa Shabery Buat Malek Noor

2011-04-06T01:08:00.000-07:00

Meskipun belum berkesempatan mengunjungi bekas jaguh bina badan negara, Dato’ Malek Noor yang diserang sakit jantung dua hari lepas, Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek tetap mendoakan agar bekas Mr.Asia sebanyak 6 kali itu segera sembuh dan kembali aktif seperti sedia kala.

“..saya belum berkesempatan untuk melawat tetapi saya sentiasa mengikuti perkembangan, saya mengambil tahu keadaan beliau sejak beliau diserang sakit jantung", reaksi Shabery ketika ditanya Suara Sukan.

Gambar diambil ketika rombongan Yakeb tiba di Stadium Ipoh

Shabery berkata Malek Noor, yang terpaksa dikejarkan ke Hospital Pantai Ipoh pada Rabu selepas diserang sakit jantung ketika menyertai Perlawanan Bolasepak Amal antara Pilihan Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan (YAKEB) dan Pilihan Menteri Besar Perak adalah salah seorang tokoh sukan disegani, dan yakin peminat Malek Noor di luar sana pastinya turut mendoakan kesihatan beliau.

Malek, 56 tahun sememangnya dikenali sebagai seorang yang cukup menghiburkan ekoran sifatnya yang sentiasa suka melawak, serta peribadinya yang suka merendah diri baru pulang dari mengerjakan umrah 19 Mac lalu, dan banyak terlibat dalam aktiviti bersama YAKEB sejak kebelakangan ini.

Ketika menyertai aktiviti YAKEB

Beliau yang juga bekas finalis Mr.Universe serta Pengarah Eksekutif Universal Fitness & Leisure, cukup popular pada era 1980-an dan pernah dinobatkan Olahragawan Kebangsaan pada 1986 dan 1990.

Selain kejaguhannya dalam dunia bina badan, Malek juga dikenali sebagai pelakon - antara filem dibintanginya, Juara, Rimba Malam, Pendekar Mata Satu dan Sahabat.

**Gambar koleksi Arkib YAKEB

Source: Suara Sukan Anda @ http://suarasukan1mas.blogspot.com

Bicara Lagenda - Marina Chin

2011-04-06T01:05:00.001-07:00

Bagi peminat sukan Olahraga, nama Marina Chin pastinya belum pudar daripada ingatan, ratu pecut dan lari berpagar yang mencipta nama di lapangan olahraga tanah air, lebih 30 tahun lalu dengan deretan pencapaian mengagumkan.

Melihat ‘portfolio’ Pengetua Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil ini, nyata penulis sendiri tergamam dan satu mukasurat pastinya tidak memadai untuk menceritakan episod pencapaian hebat lagenda Olahraga tanah air ini.

Menyingkap penglibatannya sebagai atlet, ianya bermula hanya sekadar satu kebetulan apabila beliau beraksi mewakili Sekolah Convent Sentul, pada Kejohanan Olahraga Antara Sekolah Zon Utara Selangor pada usia 16 tahun (1971) – itupun secara ‘suka-suka’.

Kemenangan dalam dua acara pecut - 100 dan 200 meter menyemarakkan semangat Marina untuk terlibat secara lebih serius dan penampilan pertamanya di pentas Sukan Sea berjaya membantu pasukan negara selaku tuan rumah meraih pingat emas dalam acara 4 x 400 meter pada tahun yang sama – kejayaan yang disifatkannya sebagai paling manis sepanjang bergelar atlet.

Pada March 1972, Marina memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan acara 200 meter dengan catatan 26.6 saat, 0.2 saat mengatasi rekod lama pada Kejohanan Allcomers Persatuan Olahraga Amatur Selangor di Stadium Merdeka.

Bergelar guru adalah impian yang menjadi kenyataan buat Marina, dan pada 1975, beliau yang merupakan guru pelatih di Maktab Perguruan Seri Kota, meraih pingat Perak lari berpagar 400 meter Kejohanan Olahraga Asia di Seoul, Korea Selatan.

Pada September tahun yang sama, Marina meneruskan kecemerlangannya, apabila sekali lagi memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan, acara lari berpagar 100 meter dengan catatan 15.2 saat, serta acara 400 meter lari berpagar dengan catatan 64.9 saat di Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Singapura.

Ianya tidak terhenti di situ, tahun berikutnya, Marina meraih emas acara 100 meter lari berpagar dengan catatan 15.3 saat Kejohanan Olahraga Jemputan Filipina di Manila, dan seterusnya
memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan dengan catatan 28.4 saat dalam acara lari berpagar 200 meter pada
Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Malaysia di Alor Star, Kedah pada Ogos 1976.

Kejayaan demi kejayaan yang dilakar menyaksikannya dinobatkan selaku Olahragawati Kebangsaan dan Selangor untuk dua tahun berturut-turut, 1976 dan 1977.

Pada Sukan Sea 1977, Marina meraih emas berganda acara 100 dan 200 meter, dan hampir menyamai pencapaian sifunya, M.Rajamani dengan meraih emas ketiga jika tidak gara-gara kerana kesilapan pengadilan.

Pada 1979 pula, gandingan Marina bersama Saik Oik Cum, V.Angamah dan Zaiton Othman menghadiahkan Malaysia pingat Perak acara 4x400 meter pada Kejohanan Antarabangsa Trek & Padang Asia Tokyo.

Beliau kemudiannya meraih emas acara lari berpagar 100 meter, dan 4x400 meter pada Kejohanan Sukan Sea ke-10 Jakarta, pada tahun yang sama.

Andai wajah manis yang menjadi rebutan ramai jejaka suatu ketika dahulu ini meneruskan kariernya, pastinya sejarah lebih gemilang tercipta, namun Marina memilih untuk melanjutkan pelajaran ke Amerika Syarikat, pada 1980.

Sumbangannya bagaimanapun tidak terhenti di situ, pulang selepas menamatkan pengajiannya dalam bidang Sarjana Muda Sains dan Sarjana Kesusasteraan, Marina menyumbang khidmatnya di Kementerian Pendidikan, selain terlibat secara serius dalam pelbagai aktiviti dan seminar memartabatkan sukan olahraga tanah air bersama Majlis Sukan Negara.

Ditanya misi utamanya selaku Pengetua SSBJ ketika ini - melahirkan jaguh Olimpik dari kalangan pelajar SSBJ.

Source: suarasukan1mas

Suka duka warnai karier Rosman

2011-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

SETIAP jaguh sukan mempunyai cerita tersendiri dalam karier mereka. Legenda basikal trek negara, Rosman Alwi, juga tidak terkecuali.

Sepanjang penglibatannya dalam perlumbaan basikal trek antarabangsa selama dua setengah dekad, Rosman telah menempuh pelbagai suka duka.

Daripada memori pahit seperti gagal ujian dadah, diserang ilmu hitam sehinggalah kenangan manis bergelar Juara Pecut Asia dan Juara Dunia 'B' dialami anak kelahiran Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur itu.
Rosman, 50, mengimbas saat paling mengecewakan pada Ogos 1989 pada Sukan SEA Ke-15 di Kuala Lumpur.

Biarpun meraih perak acara 200m acara pecut, hakikatnya dia kecewa apabila kecundang di tanah air sendiri.
Rosman masih ingat saingan acara tersebut yang memasuki pusingan penentuan selepas dia dan lawannya dari Indonesia, Kalimanto masing-masing menang satu pusingan.

Rosman tiba-tiba rebah dan tidak sedar diri sebelum perlumbaan penentuan dimulakan.
Selepas dirawat hampir setengah jam, Rosman terpaksa menarik diri kerana keadaan tidak mengizinkan.
Apa punca Rosman rebah? Sehingga hari ini, Rosman sendiri masih tertanya-tanya apakah 'penyakit misteri' yang dialaminya.

"Semuanya tidak kena pada temasya tersebut bukan hanya pada hari perlumbaan. Beberapa hari sebelum Sukan SEA saya sesak nafas dan sakit dada, fikiran jadi tidak menentu.
"Apa yang pelik, apabila diperiksa doktor, saya disahkan sihat. Kemudiannya doktor tanya sama ada saya percayakan ilmu hitam?" katanya.

Tambahnya, dia terkilan ekoran ada laporan media yang mendakwa dia sengaja 'buat pengsan' kerana takut kalah.

Lapan tahun sebelum itu, Rosman berdepan skandal dadah apabila gagal ujian saringan air kencing pada Sukan SEA 1981 di Manila, menyebabkan dia dikenakan penggantungan dua tahun.

Namun, insiden itu mempunyai hikmah. Rosman menggunakan sebaik-baiknya tempoh dua tahun sepanjang penggantungan dengan berlatih bersungguh-sungguh.

Dia kembali ke pentas antarabangsa dengan meraih gangsa pada Kejohanan Berbasikal Asia di Bangkok pada 1983.

Tahun 1985 dan 1987 merupakan tempoh paling berjaya dalam kariernya. Dia berjaya melunaskan dendam 1981 dengan meraih dua emas beserta dua rekod Sukan SEA.

Pada 1987, Rosman muncul Raja Pecut Asia selepas mengungguli acara 200m pecut Kejohanan Asia.
Pada tahun 1995, Rosman menjuarai Kejohanan Dunia B di Velodrom Rakyat, Ipoh.
Pada usia 40, Rosman bertanding pada Sukan SEA terakhirnya di Kuala Lumpur pada 2001 sebelum mengumumkan persaraan sukan yang begitu dicintainya setahun kemudian.

Oleh TAN MING WAI
tan.mingwai@utusan.com.my

Mumtaz hidup untuk berkhidmat...

2011-03-20T18:40:00.001-07:00

HIDUP untuk berkhidmat... Demikian baris ayat yang paling tepat menggambarkan kehidupan bekas ratu pecut kebangsaan, Datuk Dr. Mumtaz Jaafar, 49, dari dahulu sehinggalah sekarang.

Pada zaman 80-an beliau mewakili negara bertanding dalam acara pecut di peringkat antarabangsa.

Antara kejayaan paling sensasi, Mumtaz mengharumkan nama negara pada Sukan SEA 1981 di Manila, apabila membolot tiga butir emas dalam acara 100m, 4x100m serta 4x400m, sekali gus muncul sebagai Ratu Pecut Asia Tenggara seawal usia 19 tahun.

Lebih sedekad kemudian, setelah bersara ternyata anak kelahiran Nilai, Negeri Sembilan itu tidak dapat memisahkan dirinya daripada arena sukan olahraga yang begitu dicintainya. Mumtaz terus berkhidmat, kali ini selaku jurulatih.

Mumtaz diberi kepercayaan untuk membimbing atlet-atlet muda menghadapi Sukan Komanwel 1998. Watson Nyambek, yang juga pelari pecut utama negara ketika itu adalah anak didiknya.

Kini, tahun 2011 Mumtaz belum lagi dapat berehat. Tanggungjawabnya juga kian berat kerana diberi tugas untuk mengetuai Yayasan Kebajikan Bekas Atlet Kebangsaan (YAKEB) yang mempunyai keahlian hampir 1,500 orang sejak ditubuhkan pada 25 Julai 2007.

Ketika ditemui di pejabatnya di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, baru-baru ini, Mumtaz mengakui betapa banyak kerja perlu diuruskan sejak menerajui YAKEB. Namun, beliau tidak pernah mengeluh.

Sebaliknya, ibu kepada empat cahaya mata itu berasa amat puas dengan setiap titik peluh yang dititiskan.
“Satu demi satu pengalaman saya timba sebagai Pengerusi YAKEB menyedarkan saya realiti sebenarnya: “Ya Allah, ramainya (bekas-bekas atlet) yang perlukan bantuan kebajikan, khususnya mereka yang dihantui masalah kesihatan,” kata Mumtaz yang tiba-tiba suaranya bernada tinggi
“Apabila saya melihat semua ini, saya begitu sedih dan tertekan. Setiap masa saya fikirkan jalan bagaimana mahu jana lebih banyak dana untuk bantu biayai kos perubatan mereka, masa nak tidur pun saya fikir,” jelasnya.

Justeru, beliau mengarahkan kakitangan YAKEB agar tidak menggunakan dana yayasan dalam menganjurkan sesuatu majlis, tetapi dengan bergerak aktif mencari penaja.
Ujar Olahragawati Selangor 1981 itu, YAKEB sentiasa mencari jalan menganjurkan pelbagai majlis dan aktiviti bagi mengumpul dana ditambah ke dalam tabung yayasan.

Begitupun, Mumtaz berasa kecewa kerana terdapat segelintir pihak yang salah faham, menganggap dirinya juga mendapat habuan daripada wang YAKEB.
“Tapi bagi saya, saya tidak kisah apa mereka katakan, yang penting diri saya ikhlas melaksanakan tanggungjawab. Kalau saya pecah amanah, maka saya terpaksa jawab di akhirat nanti.

“Apabila sesuatu majlis YAKEB dapat jana RM2 juta, RM3 juta, orang kata: `Mumtaz dah kaya’. Persepsi luar adalah kita meraih sebahagian daripada wang yang dijana, tapi ingin saya tegaskan segala-gala wang yang dijana adalah seratus peratus untuk kebajikan,” ujar beliau.

Selain YAKEB, Mumtaz juga merupakan Naib Presiden Kesatuan Olahraga Kebangsaan Malaysia (KOAM) dan penasihat kepada organisasi sukan yang lain.
Di sebalik kesibukan Mumtaz seolah-olah wanita korporat, beliau tidak pernah mengabaikan tanggungjawabnya sebagai seorang isteri dan ibu.

“Jika ada kelapangan, saya suka mengemas rumah dan memasak. Saya sukakan rumah saya bersih dan kemas. Anak-anak pula amat sukakan masakan saya. Selain itu, ada kalanya saya juga gemar membuat kraftangan,” katanya.

Utusan Malaysia

Perginya sebutir permata lumba basikal negara

2010-11-11T19:44:00.001-08:00

Bekas jaguh berbasikal negara, Daud Ibrahim (kiri) menunjukkan pingat emas yang dimenanginya pada Sukan Asia 1970 di Bangkok. Rakan sepasukan, Ng Joo Pong (kanan) mendapat pingat gangsa acara 1,000 meter ujian masa perseorangan.

GENERASI hari ini mungkin lebih mengenali nama-nama seperti Azizulhasni Awang, Josiah Ng atau Rizal Tisin dan beberapa pelumba terdahulu iaitu Rosman Alwi dan Murugayan Kumaresan.
Biarpun begitu, adakah antara kita masih mengingati nama Allahyarham Daud Ibrahim, yang memenangi pingat emas dalam acara lumba basikal pada Sukan Asia 40 tahun lalu?

Melalui acara trek 1,600 meter lepas beramai-ramai, Daud berjaya mengharumkan nama Malaysia buat pertama kali dalam arena lumba basikal Asia, bersama-sama Datuk Ng Joo Ngan yang memenangi acara lebuh raya dan sejarah itu masih kekal sehingga hari ini untuk setidak-tidaknya sebelum Sukan Asia di Guangzhou membuka tirai.

Dilahirkan di Batu Pahat, Johor pada tahun 1947, beliau mula menggegarkan arena lumba basikal tempatan selepas muncul Juara Terbuka Johor dan Terbuka Melaka pada tahun 1967.
Dua tahun selepas itu, Daud mula mewakili negara Sukan SEAP di Rangoon (Yangon) pada tahun 1969 namun pulang dengan tangan kosong.

Walaupun tewas, kekalahan Daud sebenarnya ekoran kesilapan teknikal yang dilakukan oleh persatuan lumba basikal pada waktu itu, yang menyebabkan Daud dan rakan-rakannya tewas sebelum berjuang.
Bagaimanapun, Daud memilih waktu yang tepat untuk menonjolkan diri di kalangan peminat sukan negara, apabila meraih pingat emas Sukan Asia Bangkok pada tahun 1970 di samping turut memungut satu gangsa.
Tahun 1971 merupakan tahun paling cemerlang dalam karier Daud apabila membolot empat pingat emas pada Sukan Seap 1971 yang menyaksikan dia dianugerahkan Olahragawan Kebangsaan pada tahun yang sama.

Beliau terus menyumbang bakti kepada negara dalam acara basikal apabila turut memungut satu pingat perak Sukan SEAP 1973. Daud juga mewakili negara pada Sukan Olimpik Munich (1972) dan Sukan Komanwel yang dilangsungkan di New Zealand pada tahun 1974.

Sebagai mengenang jasanya itu, beliau diberikan penghormatan menyalakan obor Sukan SEA XXI di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil pada tahun 2001.

Rakan Allahyarham Daud, Shaharudin Jaffar yang pernah menjadi rakan sepasukan pada Sukan SEAP pada tahun 1969, mengakui Allahyarham mempunyai disiplin tinggi dan cukup komited ketika melakukan latihan.
''Sukar untuk jumpa mana-mana atlet yang mempunyai tahap komitmen seperti dirinya, dia cukup patuh kepada arahan jurulatih dan akan mengikut apa sahaja yang diarahkan.

''Malah, tiap-tiap hari dia akan tidur awal sebaik pukul 10 malam lagi bagi menjaga waktu tidur dan tahap kecergasannya.

''Sebelum pertandingan, sudah menjadi kebiasaan buat dirinya untuk tidak bercakap dengan sesiapa selama seminggu bagi mengekalkan fokus,'' kata Shaharudin, bekas Setiausaha Persekutuan Lumba Basikal Malaysia (PLBM) dan pemenang pingat emas pertama Malaysia dalam penyertaan antarabangsa pada tahun 1965.
Katanya, walaupun selepas bersara daripada dunia basikal, Allahyarham masih cintakan dunia basikal apabila mengambil keputusan melatih 15 atlet di Muar.

''Saya anggap kehilangannya ibarat satu kehilangan besar dalam dunia sukan lumba basikal tanah air, pelumba muda pada hari ini harus menjadikan dia sebagai contoh jika mahu berjaya di arena antarabangsa,'' ujarnya.

Oleh MUHAMMAD DAYNE AZMIN
dayne.ghazali@utusan.com.my

Bekas Jurulatih Basikal Kebangsaan Daud Ibrahim Maut Dalam Kemalangan

2010-11-11T00:32:00.000-08:00

REMBAU, 11 Nov (Bernama) -- Bekas jurulatih basikal kebangsaan yang juga jaguh lumba basikal negara, Daud Ibrahim meninggal dunia apabila kereta yang dipandunya dilanggar dari belakang oleh sebuah treler di Kilometer 232.6, Lebuh Raya Utara-Selatan dekat sini, awal pagi ini.

Jurucakap polis berkata Daud, 63, yang beralamat Jalan Daud, Muar, Johor meninggal dunia di tempat kejadian akibat kecederaan parah di kepala dan mayatnya dihantar ke Hospital Tampin untuk bedah siasat.

Beliau berkata kejadian berlaku pada kira-kira pukul 1 pagi ketika Allahyarham dan juga treler berkenaan yang membawa kontena, sedang dalam perjalanan menghala arah selatan.

Pemandu treler Ja'afar Abu Bakar, 44, berkata kereta di hadapannya secara tiba-tiba keluar dari lorong kecemasan dan terus masuk ke lorong pertama menyebabkan beliau gagal mengelak lalu melanggar bahagian belakang kereta itu, menyebabkan ia remuk.

Sepasukan enam anggota dari Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat Rembau mengambil masa kira-kira lapan minit untuk mengeluarkan mayat Allahyarham yang tersepit.

Allahyarham yang memenangi pingat emas Sukan Asia dan Sukan SEAP dalam acara berbasikal, pernah diberi penghormatan untuk menyalakan obor Sukan SEA ke-21 di Stadium Nasional pada 2001.

Allahyarham yang membuat penyertaan sulungnya pada Sukan SEAP 1969 di Rangoon, mula menempa nama apabila meraih pingat emas dalam acara 1,600m di Sukan Asia pada 1970.

Setahun kemudian, beliau terus menguasai acara lumba basikal pada Sukan SEAP di Kuala Lumpur dengan meraih lima pingat emas, dan Allahyarham juga pernah mengambil bahagian dalam Sukan Komanwel ketujuh di Christcurch, New Zealand pada 1974 dan Sukan Olimpik 1972 di Munich.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysian Contingent @ Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games

2010-11-10T23:44:00.001-08:00

http://theguangzhou2010.blogspot.com/

You can follow the triumphs and challenges of our Malaysian athletes at the Asian Games including hot favourites Dato' Lee Choong Wei, Dato' Nicol David and Azizulhasni Awang. With compilation of the latest news from Guangzhou brought to you by Olympic Council of Malaysia. Please go to following links for more information.

Blog: http://theguangzhou2010.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Olympic Council of Malaysia

Twitter: Olimpik

Datuk Thanapalan Paul Murugasu passed away Monday morning at the Universiti Hospital

2010-11-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Datuk Thanapalan Paul Murugasu was the secretary of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) from 1980-1987. During that period, football was going through its glory days and was enjoyed by almost everyone in Malaysia.

Datuk Paul was born on 8 September 1924 in Kuala Lipis in Pahang. He has his primary education in Kampar, Perak and completed his Senior Cambridge at Anglo Chinese School in Ipoh.

He worked as a teacher from 1948 to 1959, beginning at Trade School in Kuala Lumpur an later at the Kajang High School before moving to the Pasar Road English School.

He joined the Election Commission in 1959 and served as the State Election Officer in Kota Bahru (1961-1965), Seremban (1965-1970) and Kuala Lumpur from 1970 until his retirement in 1974.

Datuk Paul joined FAM in 1973. He served his “apprenticeship” with the dynamic Datuk Kwok Kin Keng in FAM taking over in 1980. He held the post for seven years and served under two presidents – Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Raja Haji Hamzah bin Abu Samah and HRH Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah.

He was honoured by the HRH Sultan of Pahang in 1983 and conferred a Datukship

Paul was given recognition as a sports administrator when he was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame in 2007.

Rest in peace...

Abdullah attends premiere of Disney on Ice

2010-10-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood attended the premiere of Disney on Ice's Beauty and the Beast at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night.

The show is presented by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) with the support of the Table Tennis Association of Malaysia, Volleyball Association of Malaysia and the Wushu Federation of Malaysia.

Among the VIPs who attended the premiere were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein, Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director/CEO Datuk Steven Tan and OCM honorary treasurer and Wushu president Datuk Seri Kee Yong Wee.

Present at the premiere of Disney on Ice: Beauty and the Beast were (from left) Olympic Council of Malaysia honorary treasurer Datuk Seri Kee Yong Wee, Star Publications (M) Bhd managing director Datuk Steven Tan, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.

Before the show started, the OCM surprised Abdullah with a cake to celebrate his birthday which fell on Wednesday. The audience of some 7,000 joined in to sing “Happy Birthday” to the Prime Minister. The timeless Disney classic love story will be staged till Dec 7.

Kee said about RM600,000 had been collected from ticket sales which would be distributed to the OCM and three national sports associations.

”I am happy that the Prime Minister is here with his wife, children, in-laws and even his extended family. I believe there are about 100 people who are related to the Prime Minister who are here tonight. With this type of support, there is no wonder why the event is so successful,” Kee said.

Saturday November 29, 2003 The Star

Yahya Jusoh semakin pulih

2010-09-05T21:14:00.001-07:00

Ahmad Said (kiri) membantu Yahya Jusoh berjalan ketika mengunjungi bekas pemain bola sepak kebangsaan itu di rumahnya dekat Kuala Terengganu, semalam.

KUALA TERENGGANU - Bekas pemain bola sepak kebangsaan, Yahya Jusoh yang terlantar lumpuh sejak akhir tahun lalu, kini sudah semakin pulih.

Seangkatan dengan Datuk Soh Chin Aun dan Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari, Yahya, 58, mula diserang penyakit lumpuh berikutan sakit tulang leher yang dialami pada November tahun lalu.

Dia yang menyarung jersi pasukan kebangsaan dari 1975 hingga 1981 berkata, keadaan kesihatannya semakin pulih selepas menjalani pembedahan di sebuah hospital di Kuala Lumpur.

"Saya sudah pulih 80 peratus dan berharap dapat kembali berjalan seperti biasa," katanya ketika ditemui selepas dikunjungi Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said di rumahnya di Permin Jaya di sini, semalam.
Penderitaan tonggak pertahanan Terengganu pada era 1970-an dan 1980-an itu mendapat perhatian pelbagai pihak termasuk Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet (Yakeb) yang telah membiayai keseluruhan kos pembedahannya.
Yahya yang mula berkecimpung dalam arena bola sepak pada 1970 sebelum mewakili pasukan Terengganu bermula dari 1972 berkata, dia kini perlu menjalani rawatan susulan di Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah di sini bagi memastikan tahap kecergasannya semakin baik.

"Saya perlu melakukan rawatan fisioterapi sekali dalam seminggu selain rawatan ortopedik yang dilakukan sekali dalam tempoh dua minggu," jelasnya.

Dalam pada itu, Ahmad berkata, kerajaan negeri akan sentiasa memantau perkembangan kesihatan Yahya yang telah membantu mengharumkan nama Terengganu dalam sukan bola sepak.

Menurut beliau, pihaknya juga akan memastikan bekas pemain bola sepak itu mendapat rawatan terbaik.
"Kita sentiasa memberi perhatian kepada beliau yang merupakan bekas pemain negeri dan kebangsaan," ujarnya.

Utusan

Obituary: Sabah great dies

2010-09-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

The late Datuk Gabuh Piging showing a photograph of himself in action during a visit by the National Athletes Foundation (Yakeb) to his home in Kampung Lomondou, Tambunan recently.

The late Datuk Gabuh Piging showing a photograph of himself in action during a visit by the National Athletes Foundation (Yakeb) to his home in Kampung Lomondou, Tambunan recently.

SABAH’S most illustrious track and field athlete Datuk Gabuh Piging died in Tambunan on Tuesday evening. He was 78.

At the height of his career, Gabuh competed in the long jump and triple jump in the Olympics as well as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games between 1956 and 1962.

Gabuh also had the distinction of holding the national triple jump record of 15.16m for 25 years between 1962 and 1987 before it was bettered by another Sabahan, Sidek Sahak.
The former drum major with the police force succumbed to a series of illness and old age, according to friends who visited the family at their home yesterday.

Sabah Amateur Athletics Association president Paiman Abdul Karim said Gabuh had been an inspirational figure to many athletes from the 1960s.

Former sprinter Surahmat Sunarno echoed similar sentiments about Gabuh, who was known for his determined and commanding character both on and off the track

Read more: NST

Malaysia kehilangan legenda bola sepak

2010-09-01T19:43:00.001-07:00

SUASANA di hadapan rumah Allahyarham Isa di Sungai Ara, Pulau Pinang semalam.

LEGENDA bola sepak negara, Isa Bakar meninggal dunia di Hospital Pulau Pinang pagi semalam setelah mengalami batuk berdarah yang teruk.

Beliau atau nama sebenarnya Isa Abu Bakar, 58, meninggal kira-kira pukul 9.40 pagi.
Jenazah Allahyarham dikebumikan di tanah perkuburan Jalan Perak, George Town petang semalam.
Turut menziarahi jenazah beliau di rumahnya di Sungai Ara ialah bekas rakan-rakan sepasukannya seperti Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Shukor Salleh, Santokh Singh dan Abdah Alif.

Allahyarham meninggalkan isteri, Mazlina Md. Ismail, tiga anak perempuan, Nur Kamalia, 19, Nur Liyana 21, Nur Aishah dan seorang anak lelaki, Muhd. Firdhaus, 16.
Menurut Mazlina, Isa dimasukkan ke sebuah hospital swasta sejak Khamis lalu sebelum dipindahkan ke Hospital Pulau Pinang.

"Kami tidak menyangka dia akan meninggalkan kami kerana kami berbual-bual elok malam tadi dan dia masih sihat, tetapi dia tiba-tiba meninggal pagi ini," katanya.
Semasa zaman kegemilangannya, Isa pernah membantu skuad negara memenangi pingat gangsa pada Sukan Asia 1974 di Tehran.
Beliau juga membantu skuad negara memenangi pingat emas pada Sukan SEA 1977 di Kuala Lumpur setelah membelasah Burma (kini Myanmar) 8-1.

Allahyarham merupakan penyerang berkaliber bersama gandingan seorang lagi legenda iaitu Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari sekitar tahun 1970-an.
Dalam persada bola sepak tempatan, beliau sentiasa menjulang nama Pulau Pinang bersama abangnya, Ali Bakar dan pernah membantu pasukan negeri itu menjulang Piala Malaysia pada 1974.
Isa mula menggilap bakatnya pada peringkat kelab dengan mewakili Malayawata, Suruhanjaya Pelabuhan Pulau Pinang dan seterusnya, Telekom Utara.

Pemergian Allahyarham disifatkan sebagai satu kehilangan besar bagi dunia bola sepak negara.
Timbalan Presiden Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM) Tan Sri Annuar Musa menyifatkan Allahyarham sebagai seorang bintang yang pernah menyinari persada sukan bola sepak negara pada era 70-an.
"Jasanya tetap akan kita kenang dan semoga rohnya ditempatkan bersama orang yang beriman oleh Allah S.W.T," kata Annuar yang turut merakamkan takziah kepada keluarga Allahyarham.
Ketua jurulatih skuad bola sepak negara, K. Rajagobal berkata, pemergian Isa merupakan peristiwa sedih kepada negara di mana kehadirannya sautu masa dahulu telah memberi impak besar kepada arena bola sepak tanah air.

"Kita kehilangan salah seorang personaliti bola sepak veteran tempatan kerana dahulunya cara mereka (pemain veteran negara) bermain mempunyai perbezaan (dengan pemain sekarang) serta karektor permainan yang tersendiri dalam mencorakkan sesebuah perlawanan," katanya.
Bekas pemain bola sepak negara, Dollah Salleh berkata, satu ciri perwatakan yang tidak dapat dilupakan tentang Isa ialah sikapnya yang suka berjenaka dengan teman-teman.

ALLAHYARHAM ISA ABU BAKAR

"Saya mengenali beliau ketika perlawanan persahabatan bola sepak veteran antara negeri. Oleh kerana beliau veteran, saya memanggil beliau dengan membahasakannya sebagai abang.
"Ada saja cerita yang akan dibualkannya dan beliau sering menceriakan keadaan," katanya.

Chin Aun pula berkata, Allahyarham telah menghubunginya malam kelmarin untuk memberitahu beliau dimasukkan ke wad selepas muntah darah Khamis lalu berikutan masalah perubatan.
"Saya fikir ia tidak serius kerana Isa memberitahu saya yang doktor memberitahu beliau akan dibenarkan keluar Isnin ini (esok).
"Saya juga menghantar SMS (khidmat pesanan ringkas) untuk bertanyakan keadaan beliau pagi ini (semalam) dan Isa membalas beliau okay.

"Saya tidak menjangka Isa meninggal secara tiba-tiba selepas beliau membalas SMS saya," katanya yang menyifatkan Allahyarham sebagai seorang pemain hebat. - Bernama

Student athletes make parents and teachers proud

2010-08-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

IT was a proud moment for former national cyclist Datuk Ng Joo Ngan when his daughter Jillian Ng Siew Mei was adjudged one of the top students in the matriculation programme at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).

Joo Ngan, who had represented Malaysia in many international competitions, said he was suprprised with Siew Mei’s excellent results in studies as well a sports.

“I was not the studious type during my younger days. I had devoted my time to cycling. But my daughter had proven otherwise. I was overwhelmed by emotions when she went on stage to receive her scroll,’’ said Joo Ngan.

Well done: Noor Hasliza Md Ali (left) receiving her certificate from Jalaludin while Marina watches.

He also disclosed that he had encouraged Siew Mei to take up cycling. But his wife Datin Nancy Teoh was against the idea.

“My wife was afraid that my daughter will sustain injuries while cycling. That’s the reason why Siew Mei opted for synchronised swimming. After seeing her progress in synchronised swimming, I do not have any reason to complain.

“She has made us proud and we are happy,’’ said Joo Ngan.
Siew Mei, who is pursuing a event management course at the Taylors University College in Kuala Lumpur, was a student at the BJSS for eight years. The 19-year-old Siew Mei, who has represented Malaysia in the 2006 Doha Asian Games as well as the 2007 World championships,said she enjoyed her stay in the BJSS.
“I joined the BJSS when I was in Form One. The teachers were very helpful. Without their guidance, I don’t think I could have excelled in my studies and sports.

“I was able to divide my time between synchronised swimming and studies,’’ said Siew Mei.

Besides Siew Mei, badminton player Michelle Yeow Mei Zi, athlete Phang Hua Mei, synchronised swimmer Lee Zhien Huey and artistic gymnast Nabihah Ali were ranked among the top students.

Passed with flying colours: (from left) Nabihah Ali, Katrina Wong Suen Nee, Jillian Ng Siew Mei and Phang Hua Mei.

BJSS principal Marina Chin said she was happy with the students’ excellent results.
“Now you all have another journey to continue. I would like to see all you students do well in university,’’ said Chin.

Former national quartermiler Sean Paul was also present at the ceremony. He shared his experience with the students.
“There is no short cut to success in sports and studies. You have to overcome the odds to excel in both,’’ said Paul.

Education Ministry sports division deputy director Jalaudin Othman presented the certificates to the students.
The graduates: Michelle Yeow Mei Xi, Jillian Ng Siew Mei, Phang Hua Mei, Lee Zhien Huey, Nabihah Ali, Katrina Wong Suen Nee, Wahidah Ismail, Wan Siti Haniza Wan Izahar, Gomagan Sony Rajaa, Ng Jo Wen, Zulhijjah Azan, Elyong Matin, Loo Yik Xiang, Ivan Yuen, Ng Shin Yii, Erni Syazwani Azman, Rafiuddin Che Omar, Jaime Lee Yoke Jeng, Muhammad Izzuddin Abdul Rahim, Nor Farah Afiqah Md Taufeek, Tiffany Chase- Currier, Kevin Yeap Soon Choy, Mohamd Rohaizad Jamil, Wan Mohamad Akmal Hakim, M. Yokananthini, Kumang Jamit, Muhammad Radhi Hasim, Diyana Zuhaili Mohamad Mazli, Nik Asraf Qaedi Nik Azizan, Mohd Ammar Fitri Zainol, Liew Tek Wa, Tg Emanina Laily Tg Zahri, Nur Syamimi Mohd Yusoff, Uriel Yu En French, Noor Hasliza Md Ali, Danial Azuan Amar Nand, Azroul Fazly Mohamed Yusoff, Siti Munirah Jusoh, Mohamad Sabri Mohamad, Azreen Rizal Nasir, Junaidin Bardin,Nuraini Abdul Rashid, Maisarah Aminludin, Nurul Sarah Abdul Kadir, Farah Ayuni Yahya, Razlee Amree Mustafar, Nurul Fatihah Jamahuri

By Y.P. SIVAM
metrospt@thestar.com.my
Photos by CHUA KOK HWA

James Selvaraj Appointed BAM High Performance Director

2010-08-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Former national shuttler and coach Datuk James Selvaraj has been appointed Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) High Performance Director, announced BAM president Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

Mohd Nadzmi said Selvaraj, who is also Senior Manager of Bata Marketing Sdn Bhd, was the best candidate for the post, not only because of his background in the sport but also for his vast experience in management.

"Datuk James brings together with him a wealth of experience in the sport of badminton.

"He has represented the country as a player and coach. He also has vast experience in management and thus making him the most suitable candidate for this very important post," said Mohd Nadzmi in a statement here Friday.

He said Selvaraj would begin his work on Sept 1, working with BAM Coaching and Training Committee, coaches and players, in all aspects of the national team's high performance programme, including national training and coaching programmes.

"In view of this, BAM hopes to produce success as demonstrated by podium performances at World Championship and Major Games and the development of a strong, sustainable feeder system through which the next generation of champions will be produced," he said.

Selvaraj was a former national shuttler during the late 1970s. Among his achievements were a bronze medal in the 1977 Sea Games in Kuala Lumpur, runner-up in the 1976 Thomas Cup in Bangkok and a bronze medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, Nadzmi said BAM had decided to increase incentives for players or pairs who emerged champion in the BWF World Championships in Paris, held from Aug 23-29, from RM30,000 to RM50,000.

"This is to give additional encouragement and also to serve as a reminder to all players that BAM is always ready to motivate and provide increased incentives for winning major events," he said.

-- BERNAMA

“Legenda Sukan Malaysia”

2010-08-18T00:10:00.000-07:00

Astro Arena (Saluran 801) menyajikan anda program “Legenda Sukan Malaysia” yang akan di hoskan oleh Datuk Rahim Razali. Program khas sempena bulan kemerdekaan ini akan di tayangkan selama 30 minit berkisar tentang atlit legenda yang telah melakar nama mereka di persada antarabangsa dan juga tempatan, berkongsi kisah hidup dan kenangan... mereka. Dekati legenda sukan Malaysia dalam era kecemerlangan sukan Malaysia.

Siaran waktu di Astro Arena (Saluran 801)

Dato'Soh Chin Aun (19 Ogos 2010, 8.30 mlm)
Dato'Yogeswaran a/l Rajaratnam (22 Ogos 2010,8:30 mlm)
Dato' Misbun Sidek (6 September 2010,9:00 mlm)
Tan Sri M Jegathesan (8 September 2010,9:00 mlm)

Kenali Legend : Azizul Abu Haniffah

2010-08-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

Gua rase ramai kot dah lupe kat die ni. Azizul Abu Haniffah, name yang gua rase amat besar ketike bersekolah rendah. Mase tu reason yang membuatkan gua ke stadium adalah untuk tengok Azizul.
"Moh yob, siap lekas... lambat nanti abah tinggei kamu." itulah ugutan abah gua yang selalu mengugut untuk gua bersiap awal, sebelum ke Stadium Ipoh sekitar tahun awal 1990'an.

No. 12 (Azizul Abu Haniffah)

Mase zaman ni, jersey no. 12 yang dipakai Azizul merupakan rebutan ramai seluruh rakyat negeri perak ketike itu. Pantang no. 12 semue deme nak sambor. Karier awal azizul bermula sekitar lewat 1980'an dan kemuncak karier bermula pade zaman semi-pro. Kalau tak silap gua die yang berasal dari Teluk Intan pernah bekerja sebagai Pegawai Perhubungan Awam di Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNP), sebuah bangunan disebelah mahkamah Majistret di Ipoh.

Skuad emas sukan sea 1989

barisan belakang dari kiri...azmi mahmud, lee kin hong, mubin mokhtar (?), radhi mat din, razip ismail, dollah salleh, rashid hassan, zainal abidin hassan, azizul abu haniffa(?), a.anbalagan, ahmad yusof, yap kam choon

barisan depan dari kiri... shebby singh, (?), subadron aziz, p. ravindran, chow siew wai, k. ravichandran (?), see kim seng, lim teong kim, naina mohd
Di Perak, die digandingkan dengan pemain di era tersebut seperti Nidzam Adzha Yusoff, P.Ravindran, Roafandi Yusoff, Nazreen Chong dan tenaga import ketike itu Aun Ning dan Kwy Lywn dari Burma yang kini dikenali Myanmar. Azizul juge pernah mengetuai pasukan kebangsaan sebagai Kapten sekitar tahun 1990'an. Bermain di posisi Midfield membuatkan die sering merancang corak permainan dan lebih dikenali pade zaman tu sebagai Arkitek.

Skuad Negara 1983 President South Korea Cup , (duduk tengah) Azizul Abu Haniffah

Pencapaian yang gua masih ingat lagi dan gua merasai detik tersebut. Dimane gua masih berumur budak tadika pada tahun 1990. Stadium Merdeka menjadi saksi dimana Piala FA pertama dipertandingkan menjadi milik Perak, dengan kemenangan 4-2 mengatasi Selangor setelah ketinggalan 2-0 di separuh mase pertame. Gua hanye tercengang dengan keadaan pade ketike tu, sebab tak pandai nak mencarut maki Reff lagi. itu adelah Final Game pertame gua dalam hidup dan gua kenang sampai bile-bile....

Karier Azizul Abu Haniffah berakhir dengan penangkapan bersama 10 pemain bolasepak Perak yang lain atas tuduhan rasuah. Gua rase ini adelah zaman gelap bolasepak, ramai juge pemain dari pasukan lain yang terlibat juge ditahan. Info yang gua dapat Azizul kini melatih team Perodua di Rawang.

Source: http://meornamedepanku.blogspot.com

Kenali Legend : Hassan Sani

2010-08-02T22:41:00.001-07:00

Die lahir pada 12 Mac 1958 merupakan bekas pemain bola sepak Malaysia yang pernah bermain bersama Sabah dan Kuala Lumpur dalam penghujung tahun 1970 'an - 1980'an. Die merupakan bekas penyerang kebangsaan Malaysia yang digelar sebagai lipas kudung oleh peminat kerana merupakan pemain yang sangat pantas dalam skuad Malaysia. Gua rase gelaran tu takde kene mengene dengan lagu Wings kot.

Training team kebangsaan

kariernye bermule 1974 bersama Sabah FA, tahun dimane bermulenye total football. Die merupakan antara penyerang terbaik yang pernah dilahirkan oleh Sabah selain James Wong. Ke'lipas kudungannye' teserlah dalam Liga Malaysia, sehingga mendatangkan gerun kepada pasukan lawan. Lebih-lebih lagi mase tu die tag team dengan James Wong. Die juge merupekan penyerang kebangsaan menghasilkan banyak kejuaraan hinggakan gandingan Hassan-James dikenali sebagai penyerang kembar selepas era Mokhtar Dahari dan Isa Bakar.

Sebelum kick off, Kelayakan Olimpk 1980

Terbang si Lipas Kudung....

Karier awal dengan team kebangsaan pade Piala Presiden di Seoul, Korea Selatan. mase tu, die masih pemain simpanan dan idolanya allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari tag team dengan Isa Bakar. Kemuncak karier dengan team kebangsaan ialah ketika kelayakan Sukan Olimpik 1980 apabila membantu skuad kebangsaan layak beraksi di Sukan Olimpik. Saat moment of glory ni tercipta apabila Khalid Ali passing bola kepade Hassan, die yang digelar lipas kudung membuat larian pantas dan terus passing kepada James Wong untuk menghasilkan gol kemenangan Malaysia ke Korea Selatan dengan jaringan 2-1.

Tag team, Hassan-James

Walaupun layak ke Olimpik, kerajaan Malaysia pade ketike itu berkeras untuk membantah tindakan Soviet Union yang menceroboh Afghanistan.Pade ketike itu sukan Olimpik dilangsungkan di Moscow. Rugi pulak gua rase.....

Hassan Sani pencen dari bolasepak pade tahun 1986. Seingat gua die jugak pernah bermain bolasepak pantai dan kini die bekerja di Pelabuhan Sabah. Walaupun dah pencen die tetap bermain bolasepak untuk veteran dan peringkat daerah di sabah.

Source: http://meornamedepanku.blogspot.com/

Jom Kenali Legend : R. Arumugam

2010-08-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Dilahirkan pade 31 Januari 1953. Die merupekan watak penting kubu pertahan pasukan. Tapi, posisinya tidaklah segah Striker. R. Arumugam merupakan penjaga gol yang tersenarai dalam senarai legend di Malaysia. Gua tak berape pasti sangat info yang gua dapat ni. seandainya bercanggah gua mohon ampun.

Mewakili Selangor

The Spiderman

Merupakan anak jati Selangor dan memulekan karier bersame pasukan negerinye seawal usie 18 tahun. Kejohanan pertame baginye adelah Burnley Cup Youth pade tahun 1971. Pade era tahun 1972-1988 die memenangi Piale Malaysia sebanyak 8 kali bersame Selangor. Menurut kate Abah gua die ni merupekan seorang penjaga gol yang memiliki lengan yang panjang dan cekap. Die digelar Spiderman pade ketike itu oleh seluruh peminat.

Belakang: Azraai Khor @ Khor Sek Leng, P. Umaparam, Isa Bakar.Tengah: Irfan Bakti Abu Salim, Mokhtar, R. Arumugam, team official. Depan: Zainuddin Kassim, Rashid Hassan, Yahya Jusoh

Arumugam the Spiderman kali pertamenye dipanggil untuk mewakili team kebangsaan adalah pade tahun 1973. Pade tahun tersebut die dipanggil untuk menghadapi kelayakan piale Dunie di seoul, Korea Selatan. Selame besame team kebangsaan die telah memenangi Piale Bolasepak Merdeka sebanyak 4 kali (1973, 1974, 1976,1979). Gua rase ni adelah pencapaian terbaik bagi penjage gol Malaysia setakat ni. Kejayaan terbesar yang dikecapi bersame team kebangsaan adelah memenangi pingat Gangsa Sukan Asia 1974 di Teheran. Gilerrr arrr.... Respek Beb!!!Die juge merupekan salah seorang dari pemain team kebangsaan yang layak ke Olimpik pade tahun 1980. Sepanjang bersame Malaysia die telah memegang sebanyak lebih 200 caps.

Pade 1983 die secare rasminye bersare dari Bolasepak. Pade tahun 1988 takdir telah menetukan die meninggal dunie akibat kemalangan. Die meninggalkan Isteri dan due orang anak perempuan sepanjang hayatnye.

Source: http://meornamedepanku.blogspot.com/

The Ancient Olympics

2010-07-29T20:05:00.001-07:00

The Ancient Olympics

Visit of Undergraduate Students of Yogyakarta State University to OCM

2010-07-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

Darshan Singh dipilih Naib Presiden ISF

2010-07-28T00:10:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Presiden Persatuan Sukan Ekstrem Malaysia (MESA), Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill telah dipilih sebagai naib presiden Persekutuan Papan Luncur (Skateboarding) Antabangsa (ISF).

Pemilihan Darshan sebagai calon pertama dari Malaysia dan juga Asia dilakukan semasa Perhimpunan Agung ISF di Boston, Amerika Syarikat, baru-baru ini.

"Perhimpunan Agung itu diadakan sempena Kejohanan Papan Luncur Sedunia di Boston. ISF dianggotai oleh 81 buah negara,” kata Darshan di sini, hari ini.

Bekas presiden Persekutuan Berbasikal Asia (ACC) itu berkata, hanya seorang peserta Malaysia, Kieron John Brodie mengambil bahagian pada kejohanan dunia itu.

Selepas melepasi pusingan awal, dia layak ke pusingan akhir sebelum menduduki tangga ke-31 daripada 57 peserta pada kejohanan dunia itu, katanya.

"Ini membuktikan peserta negara semakin berani untuk menempa nama dalam sukan ekstrem dunia,” katanya. - Bernama

Obituary: Teik Hock leaves Thomas Cup legacy

2010-07-15T20:58:00.001-07:00

Law Teik Hock (seated right) poses with the Penang players in the Malaya squad who won the inaugural Thomas Cup in England in 1949.

FORMER badminton ace Law Teik Hock, who was a member of the Malaya squad who won the inaugural Thomas Cup in 1949, died of old age at his residence at Taman Nirwana in Jalan Anson, George Town yesterday. Teik Hock, 89, who died surrounded by family members and close friends, played as the first singles in the final held in Preston.

Teik Hock leaves behind wives Khoo Cheng Poh, 70 and Ng Suan Gaik, 69, and son Law Beng Yeow, 41, who said his father's last wish was to see all his close friends and relatives, which his family fulfilled.

"My father's body will be laid to rest at the Batu Gantung Chinese graveyard at 2pm tomorrow (today).
"Those wanting to pay their last respects can do so before the funeral service," he said when met at his house.

Beng Yeow said before his father died, he fractured his backbone after falling from the wheelchair.

Malaya defeated Denmark 8-1 to lift the Thomas Cup in 1949 where Teik Hock was involved in two singles matches.

Teik Hock was promoted to first singles after Wong Peng Soon was forced to skip the final due to injury.

In the first singles, Teik Hock thrashed Jorn Skaarup 15-5, 15-0 but lost 15-11, 15-1 to Mogen Felsby in the reverse singles.

After his retirement from badminton, Teik Hock worked at a private hospital in Penang.

NST

Commonwealth gold medallist Ang Li Peng obtains law degree

2010-07-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton gold medallist Ang Li Peng has gone on to conquer another “court” since hanging up her racquet in 2003.

Always one to overcome the odds, the gritty 29-year-old from Banting achieved her goal of obtaining a law degree, graduating last month at the University of Manchester.

Major victory: Ang with a picture of her and former doubles partner Lim Pek Siah after they won the Commonwealth doubles gold in 2002.

Many questioned her decision when she gave up badminton at the peak of her career after winning the 2002 Commonwealth Games badminton doubles gold medal with Lim Pek Siah in Manchester.

The pair had created history by being the first Malaysians to win the Commonwealth doubles’ gold medal.
“I achieved my ultimate dream of winning gold before retiring. How many people have had the chance to do that?” asked the once-shy girl who is now a confident law graduate.

Her success in, and out, of the badminton court certainly did not come easy.
“I could not even speak English properly and used to stutter. Imagine how difficult it was for me when I did my A-levels in 2005, seven years after taking my SPM exam,” she said, adding that she made the decision to quit the sport and return to her books as she realised that a good education would secure her future.
Admitting that there were times when she felt like throwing in the towel, she said she also lost direction and did not know what course to pursue at one juncture.

Fortunately, she never let these initial problems affect her. She completed her A-levels before pursuing her Bachelor of Law degree at the university.

“It was akin to a badminton novice playing with Lin Dan, who sprays unpredictable shots all over the court. But the person gets better after playing with him several times,’’ she said.

Ang reserved special words of praise for her family, and friends like badminton lover Datuk Seri Andrew Kam, who owns the KLRC badminton club which has sponsored many badminton players around the world.
The determined Ang said she took up law because she believed in “justice, fair play and equality”.

By WONG PEK MEI
pekmei@thestar.com.my

Ghani kendali program klinik bola sepak YAKEB

2010-07-14T19:52:00.001-07:00

LEGENDA bola sepak negara, Datuk Abdul Ghani Minhat akan mengetuai bekas bintang bola sepak negara dalam Program Jom Sukan Yayasan Kebajikan Atlit Kebangsaan (YAKEB) di padang Ragbi Kompleks Sukan Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI).

Selain Ghani, turut serta dalam program itu ialah Hassan Sani, Khalid Ali, Bakri Ibni, Dollah Salleh serta beberapa bekas pemain lain yang akan mengadakan klinik bola sepak kepada kira-kira 80 pelajar bawah 11 dan 14 tahun.

Pengurus Besar Yakeb, Md Razib Md Shah berkata, program anjuran bersama Unit Sukan, Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri Perak (JPNP) itu bertujuan meningkatkan minat pelajar terhadap bola sepak di samping mengenali lebih dekat bekas bintang bola sepak negara

Pelajar dari sekitar Ipoh berpeluang mempelajari teknik dan taktik tetapi lebih penting, YAKEB berharap generasi muda akan menjadikan bekas bintang ini sebagai idola berbanding bintang luar negara,” katanya.

Peminat di sekitar Bandaraya Ipoh juga berpeluang menyaksikan bekas bintang bola sepak negara mengimbau kemahiran mereka apabila bermain dalam perlawanan persahabatan dengan pasukan membabitkan guru dan pegawai JPP pada sebelah petangnya

Perfect role model

2010-07-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

Fifty years ago, on Merdeka Day, he was inspired to make it big in sports. Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan has scaled great heights in athletics, winning plenty of plaudits and accolades. His passion for sports has not waned.

DATUK Dr M. Jegathesan flashed a broad smile. “You can call me the almost 50-year Merdeka man!” he grinned. “That's exactly how long I have been involved in sports.”
Indeed, he is.

Tan Sri Dato' Dr. M. Jegathesan

After dominating junior athletics for several years, he burst onto the international scene in athletics in 1959 – just two years after Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman declared our independence.

It was on Merdeka Day that Jegathesan was inspired to make it big in sports as a 14-year-old.

“I was studying in Singapore when I was younger. I came back to witness (the declaration of) Merdeka. I was at the Selangor Padang on the eve and the morning of the celebration. My dad (N.M. Vasagam), a financial assistant, was busy with the celebration,” said Jegathesan.

“My dad was really into sports. In fact, he was the founder member of the Federation of Malaya Olympic Council (now the Olympic Council of Malaysia). I remember that he paid the RM25 registration fee. That was big money those days,” he smiled again.
In fact, both Jegathesan’s father and brother M. Harichanda were members of Malaysia’s first-ever contingent to the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.

“My father was then the team manager of the first Malaysian squad to the Olympics and my brother took part in the 800m. That was when I became aware of the Olympics,” he said.

“Those days, we did not have television. I went to a cinema two months after the Melbourne Olympic Games. Usually, 15 minutes before the movie, they would begin with the news. On that day, they showed clips of the Games. I knew what it meant to be an Olympic winner.

“But it was on Independence Day that I was really inspired.

“I remember the national anthem was played for the first time and the Malaysian flag was raised. It was great to be part of that historic moment,” recalled Jegathesan.

“At that moment, I told myself that it would be great to hear the national anthem and see the Malaysian flag raised again when I win honours in sports for the country.

Still in the fray: Jegathesan (third from right) talking to some athletes back in 1985.

“It did not take me long to realise my dream,” he added.

Just four years later, the national flag was raised three times – just for him – at the 2nd SEAP Games in Rangoon.

The rest is history. M. Jegathesan remains probably the greatest sprinter the country has seen with his 100m and 200m records yet to be surpassed.

Athletics, however, was not his only forte.

While burning up the track, he also graduated as a medical doctor – earning him the famous nickname of “the Flying Doc”.

Later, he was involved in the country’s sports administration and is currently going strong as the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s (OCM) vice-president, a medical adviser (including serving for two years with a UNDP-affiliated council on health and research in Geneva) and a lecturer at the age of 63.

His 32 years in the Health Ministry also culminated in Jegathesan serving as the deputy director-general (research and technical support) and also the director of the Health Ministry’s research programme.
“Malaysia has changed and we have to understand and accommodate the changes. We cannot treat changes in sports in isolation. The society has changed and, naturally, it affects sports. Nowadays, it is hard to find a volunteer. Even volunteers want to be paid,” he said.

“But Malaysian sports is not all that bad. In the world, we are top in squash, top four in badminton, top three in bowling and top 12 in hockey. The success in sports for Malaysia has shifted from the basic sports like athletics to the new sports like bowling and squash.”

While in a pursuit of sporting glory, Jegathesan hopes that today’s athletes will not neglect intellectual growth.
“I remember that during my running days, when there was a break between runs, I would take out my small notebook and revise. This habit does not die, you know,” he said, pointing to his small notebook filled with scribbles.

“I still jot things down. But I try to keep up with times. I carry a thumb drive around – it is so much easier than carrying all the documents,” he laughed aloud.

“Now, with the e-mails, the communication barrier is broken. It is so fast that I make sure I check my mails twice a day to stay abreast.

“Our full-time athletes have spare time. What do they do with it? Sometimes, athletes need intellectual distraction. They need diversion from daily training routines. Sporting pursuit is not enough; it must be in tandem with intellectual pursuit. Then, there is a balance.”

Over the 50 years, the most significant changes would probably be the way the athletes are showered with incentives for the excellence in sports. Sports has, in fact, become an area in which one can make a living.
Jegathesan, the first Malaysian to win an Asian Games gold in 1962, agreed that sports has become a money-making business. Asked about his thoughts on this, he quoted what Czech athlete Emil Zatopek, a three-time gold medallist at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, said: “You do not win races with money in your pocket but you win it with courage in your heart and a dream in your head.”

Then again, he is from a different era.
With his courage and dream, Jegathesan has become a successful Malaysian personality in sports and in medicine – he has won both the National Sportsman award and the National Scientist award.
Now, 50 years on, it is for other 14-year-olds to be inspired by him.

The Star

Largest Single Collection Of Olympic Torches In Singapore for Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

2010-07-04T23:40:00.000-07:00

A collection of 16 original Olympic Games Torches on loan from The Olympic Museum Collections have arrived in Singapore ahead of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (Singapore 2010).

These Torches – from 16 Olympic Games spanning 1936 to 2008 – will be on display at two exhibitions in August: Blazing the Trail at Level 3 of the International Convention Centre, and More Than Winning, which will be held at the Youth Olympic Village (YOV). This will be the first time that such a large collection of Olympic Torches are on exhibition in Singapore.

The exhibitions are produced in partnership with a curatorial team from the Singapore Philatelic Museum as part of the Culture and Education Programme for athletes and the public. Through artefacts – such as the Torches and Olympic medals – informative exhibition panels and interactive multimedia exhibits, the exhibitions will vividly illustrate how Excellence, Friendship and Respect have propelled the Olympic movement, right though to the creation of the Youth Olympic Games.

GOH Kee Nguan, SYOGOC’s Chief Executive Officer, says, "It will be a rare opportunity for everyone to see 16 original Olympic Torches in Singapore. These Torches, kept since 1936, are rich treasures of the Olympic Movement. I hope Singaporeans and visitors will enjoy the exhibition and experience part of the rich Olympic history."

Tresnawati Prihadi, General Manager, Singapore Philatelic Museum, says, "The inaugural Youth Olympic Games is a once in a lifetime event. We are very honoured to have the privilege to be part of this milestone event."

Exhibition details:
Blazing the Trail Exhibition at ICC Level 3
Date: 15 August to 25 August 2010
Time: 10:00am to 9:30pm daily
Free Admission

More Than Winning Exhibition at the YOV
Date: 13 August to 25 August 2010
Time: 10:00am to 8:30pm daily
Open to residents and visitors to the YOV only
Singapore 2010 – Blazing the Trail

World Cup Football Activities at the Olympic Sports Hotel

2010-06-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

World Cup Football fever has hit the World and Malaysia is no exception. In keeping with the hype, the Olympic Sports Hotel, located in Wisma OCM, home of the Olympic Council of Malaysia has set up a FIFA World Cup exhibition of photographs, souvenirs, mementos and memorabilia of past FIFA World Cup Championships and some exciting activities at the Olympic Coffee House, for sports fans in general and Football enthusiasts in particular.

Mr. Ow Soon Kooi, Chairman of Olympic Sports Hotel, who himself is a two time Olympian, having represented Malaysia at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games and the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games, had taken great pains and efforts to create a very attractive ambience to commemorate the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Members of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and other sports and Football fans are most welcomed to visit the Olympic Sports Hotel South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup exhibition and watch the 2010 World Cup matches live on a big screen located at the Coffee House of the Olympic Sports Hotel, in a truly FIFA World Cup environment.

Photos:

“Football is Life” poster signed by Joao Havelange, FIFA President 1974 to 1998.

View of the part of the Olympic Sports Hotel Coffee House, where fans can watch the live matches with France 1998 FIFA World Cup posters on the wall.

Souvenirs, mementos and memorabilia of South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup

Posters of Dunga with the World Cup in 1994 and framed Brazilian Jersey signed by him. Dunga is the present Coach of the Brazilian Team.

Brazilian Jersey signed by Ronaldo, striker of the Brazilian national team, which won the 1994 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he became the highest goal scorer in the history of the World Cup with his fifteenth goal, surpassing Gerd Muller’s previous record of 14.

Autographed jersey of Roberto Carlos, fullback of the Brazilian national team. He is a member of the Brazilian team which won the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Posters of the German national team of the Mexico 1970 FIFA World Cup and showcase of , souvenirs, mementos and memorabilia.

Poster and jersey of Brazilian national team, winner of the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Autographed jersey of Ossie Ardiles, mid fielder of the Argentinian national team, which won the 1978 FIFA World Cup. The small photograph shows Y.Bhg. Dato’ Zainal Abidin with Ossie Ardiles.

Autographed jersey and boots of Oliver Khan, goalkeeper of the German national team, which finished in second place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Kahn won the Lev Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and became the first goalkeeper in history to win the Golden Ball for the best individual performance.

Autographed jersey of Franz Beckenbauer, nick-name Der Kaiser, libero of the German national Team. Captain of the German that won the World Cup in 1974 and manager of the German team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1990.

Posters of France 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Autographed jersey of Jurgen Klinsman, striker of the German National team, which won the FIFA World Cup in 1990. He was the Manager of the German national team, which finished third in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Autographed jersey and boots of Gerd Muller, striker of the German national team, which won the FIFA World Cup in 1974.

Autographed jersey of members of the German national team.

Autographed jersey of Johan Neeskens, mid fielder of the Netherlands national team. He was a member of the Netherland team that finished as runner-up in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cup.

Autographed boots and ball of Johan Neeskens, mid fielder of the Netherlands national team. He was a member of the Netherland team that finished as runner-up in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cup.

Some souvenirs and of France 1998 FIFA World Cup

Some souvenirs and of Korea-Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup

Some souvenirs and of past FIFA World Cup

Posters of past FIFA World Cup.

Posters of Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup

Recognise our past greats like Super Mokh

2010-06-09T23:24:00.000-07:00

OF LATE we have been honouring many sportsmen and women for their contributions to the country. We also have not forgotten proponents of sports and many of them have their contributions recognised with various titles and other incentives.

What saddens me most is that the nation has forgotten the great contributions of the late Mokhtar Dahari or Super Mokh (pic) as he was aptly called in the world of football.

Mokhtar Dahari not only gave everything to football but also his life. Tragically he died when he was at his peak. He would have been a living legend had he been still alive today.

We must not forget the great contributions Mokhtar Dahari made. There were many greats from his era, but everyone will agree with me that Mokhtar Dahari was the greatest.

His knowledge of the game was total, and he gave everything to the game he loved. Whenever he played, be it for the state or the nation, he would give his all. His focus was total and his aim was to win. Nothing else.
This man was special. This man was total. This man was made for football.

I am shattered that he has not been recognised for his contributions and commitment to football, whether by his state or his nation.

It is as if he has been totally forgotten. Something must be done to recognise this great sportsman. Something tangible. Something that can inspire the sportsmen and women of today.

Stadium Bukit Jalil should be named after the prolific Super Mokh. It should be renamed Stadium Mokhtar Dahari. That is the ultimate honour the state and the country can give him. It also cannot be too late to bestow him with other awards.

I would also like to suggest a Hall of Fame for sportsmen and sportswomen of the nation. This is another way of recognising the contributions of sportsmen and women — past and present.

This will be a real boost to our sportsmen and women to perform well in all tournaments.

MOHD GHAZALI OSMAN,The Star

Sports-themed hotel gets World Cup makeover

2010-05-30T21:20:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Considered a time capsule for the world's most popular single-sport tournament, the uniquely-styled Olympic Sports Hotel here exhibits a wide array of World Cup memorabilia dating back to the early 1960s, a first for any hotel in the country.

The hotel, located at Wisma OCM along Jalan Hang Jebat, displays priceless items such as autographed jerseys from the 1994 German World Cup squad and decorated English goalkeeper Ray Clemence.
Ow Soon Kooi, who took over as the hotel's director last year, said the memorabilia reflected the local passion for the World Cup.

"The idea to do this came from a friend three months ago. We decided to decorate the hotel in conjunction with the upcoming World Cup in South Africa," he said.
"As a sports-themed hotel, we have to live up to our name. And so, we have on display some of the rarest World Cup collector's items to give our guests a unique atmosphere."
Ow, himself a national hockey legend, said the hotel lobby acts as a hall-of-fame for some of the greatest football players.

Upon entering the lobby, one will be greeted by posters of Diego Maradona's 1986 "hand of God" goal, and World Cup posters.

"These exhibits are loaned to us by their owners. We had difficulty tracking them down, let alone get the respective owners' permission to exhibit them here," said Ow.

"The most priceless item here are the framed autographed photos of Brazilian legend Pele, which I purchased myself."

Next to the hotel's reception area are a number of glass showcases exhibiting items such as German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's gloves from the 1994 World Cup, as well as the boots of Franz Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as captain (1974) and coach (1990).

"The concept of our hotel is not only to cater to athletes, but the general public and tourists as well," said Ow.
"Among our guests over the years have been national football team members, officials from the Asian Youth Volleyball tournament as well as foreign media representatives covering the recent Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals."

Ow said he will continue to exhibit sports memorabilia as well as repay his debt to the country by hanging up pictures of Malaysian sports legends.

"Once the World Cup football fever has cooled down, I plan to put up pictures of our nation's greatest sportsmen. For athletes, the passion for sports never dies. It lives on and we will always be there for the love of the game."

MMAIL

The Straits Times Thomas Cup Souvenir

2010-05-26T19:21:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals ended on 16th May 2010, with the men's team of China and the women's team of Korea winning the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup respectively. Malaysia's Thomas Cup team lost the semi-final against China, while the women's Uber Cup team was defeated by Indonesian team in the quarter-final.

51 years earlier, the 1st Thomas Cup Final was played on February 25th and 26th 1949 at Preston, England, between Malaya and Denmark, which Malaya won by 8 matches to 1.

Thanks to Mr. Chris Syer, a member of the OCM Media Committee, OCM obtained a copy of "The Straits Times Thomas Cup Souvenir - An illustrated record of the visit of the successful Malayan Badminton Team to Europe in 1948/49". OCM believes that the Mr. Chris Syer's copy is one of a few copies of the souvenir left in Malaysia.

OCM has produced a soft-copy of the souvenir which is posted in the OCM Website for the public to read and view.

Download: The STRAITS TIMES THOMAS CUP Souvenir - Malayan Badminton Team 1948-49

The STRAITS TIMES THOMAS CUP Souvenir - Malayan Badminton Team 1948-49 Cover Page

Visit of participants of TAFISA Certified Leadership Course in Sport for All to the OCM Museum and Hall of Fame

2010-05-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

On the evening of 8th May 2010, the participants of the Certified Leadership course in Sport for All organized a Farewell Dinner at Level 2C, Wisma OCM, Kuala Lumpur. Before the start of the Dinner, the participants of the Certified Leadership course in Sport for All, paid a visit to OCM Museum and Hall of Fame. The participants had an enjoyable time there, taking photographs.

The OCM Museum and Hall of Fame was established in December 2004, on the completion of Phase II of Wisma OCM. It is located on Level 2B in an area of about 8,000 sq. ft. The OCM Museum and Hall of Fame received a grant from NOC Legacy of Olympic Solidarity for its establishment.

Four participants of the Certified Leadership Course in Sport for All, from left, Mr. Nay Phonna (Cambodia), Mr. Masanori Tamazawa (Japan), Ms. Sun Jin-Kim and Ms. Claire Son (Korea)

Two participants of the Certified Leadership Course in the OCM Hall of Fame, Mr. Behzad Alemi (left) and Mr. Omidali Daftari, both from Iran

Group photograph of the participants in the OCM Museum and Hall of Fame.

Mr Omidali Daftari (Iran) in front of the IOC Trophy winners

Some participants: from left, Madam Kusum Bhardwaj, Mrs. Mrignaini Khullar, Dr. Rakesh Khullar (all India), Mr. Omidali Daftari and Mr. Behzad Alemi (both Iran)

Two participants in front of the OCM Hall of Fame, from left, Dr. Henry Codero Daut of Philippines (lecturer) and Mr. Kho Chin Hong of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia.

Mr. Behzad Alemi (Iran) in front of the IOC Trophy winners.

Penghormatan buat Mokhtar Dahari

2010-05-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

AHLI keluarga Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari diketuai isterinya, Datin Tengku Zarina Tengku Ibrahim (dua dari kiri) bersama anak-anaknya, (dari kiri) Nur Azera, Reza dan Nur Arina bergambar di hadapan Gelanggang Mokhtar Dahari semalam.

NAMA bekas bintang bola sepak negara, Allahyarham Datuk Mokhtar Dahari kini diabadikan di gelanggang utama Kompleks Futsal Putrajaya.

Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek menjelaskan, ia adalah sebagai tanda penghormatan kepada legenda negara itu yang lebih dikenali sebagai Super Mokh sepanjang pembabitannya dalam sukan bola sepak tanah air.

"Selepas melakukan perbincangan, Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS) memutuskan untuk menamakan gelanggang utama ini dengan nama Mokhtar Dahari yang suatu ketika dahulu, merupakan penyerang berbisa serta digeruni di rantau Asia.

"Dengan tertulisnya nama beliau di gelanggang ini, ia diharapkan ia akan meniup semangat anak-anak muda negara kita untuk bersama mengejar kegemilangan yang pernah dikecapi oleh Allahyarham, sekali gus memartabatkan semula sukan bola sepak tanah air," jelas Shabery.

Sementara itu, anak sulung Allahyarham, Mohd. Reza amat bangga dengan penghargaan yang diberikan oleh KBS.

"Walaupun arwah telah meninggal dunia 19 tahun lalu, namun masih ada lagi pihak yang menghargai jasa serta pengorbanannya.

"Sudah pasti kami sekeluarga berbangga dengan penghargaan ini dan saya mewakili keluarga mengucapkan terima kasih kepada KBS di atas penamaan Gelanggang Mokhtar Dahari ini," kata Reza.

SHABERY (kanan) cuba menyaingi kelincahan pemain pasukan pilihan FAM, K. Rajagobal pada perlawanan pertunjukan sempena perasmian Kompleks Futsal Putrajaya semalam.

Allahyarham Mokhtar meninggal dunia pada 11 Julai 1991 selepas menghidap penyakit distrofi otot.
Semasa hayatnya, Allahyarham mewakili negara pada Sukan Asia 1974 dan 1978; Sukan SEA 1975, 1977 dan 1979; Pestabola Merdeka 1972 hingga 1984 dan penampilan terakhir pada Pra-Olimpik di Seoul, Korea Selatan pada 1985.

Walaupun ketika ayahnya menghembuskan nafas terakhir Reza baru berusia 10 tahun, namun dia memahami pemergian ayahnya itu merupakan satu kehilangan besar buat arena bola sepak negara.

Sejak itu, Reza, 29, yang mesra dengan panggilan Jaja telah menanam cita-cita untuk mengikut jejak arwah ayahnya.

"Minat saya dalam bola sepak timbul bila saya sering dibawa arwah ayah ke stadium dan padang latihan," katanya Reza yang kini berkhidmat sebagai pegawai di Bahagian Perhubungan Korporat UMW Corporation.
Antara pembabitan Reza dalam sukan bola sepak ialah mewakili Selangor pada saingan Piala Emas Raja-Raja.

Samaranch dies

2010-04-21T19:38:00.001-07:00

BARCELONA: Juan Antonio Samaranch, the former president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has died at the age of 89, the Barcelona hospital where he was being treated said yesterday.
Spaniard Samaranch, who was made the IOC’s honorary life president when he stepped down in 2001, was admitted to the Quiron hospital on Sunday with acute heart problems and passed away at 1325 local time (7.25pm Malaysia).

He had died as a result of “cardio-respiratory failure“ hospital doctor Rafael Esteban said in a statement.
“I cannot find the words to express the distress of the Olympic Family,” IOC president Jacques Rogge said.
“We have lost a great man, a mentor and a friend who dedicated his long and fulfilled life to the Olympics.”
Samaranch, once one of the most powerful figures in world sport who wielded influence on the Olympic movement right up until his death, had suffered a number of health problems since his retirement and was admitted to hospital several times.

He ran the IOC with absolute authority for two decades and Barcelona’s successful bid to host the 1992 Olympics was seen as his personal triumph.

Samaranch’s supporters believe he showed political skill in a difficult period to lead the Games into the era of professional sport and turn it into a huge money-spinner.

His critics argue that many of the original values of the movement were obscured in the search for commercial success, leading to high-profile bribery and drugs scandals.

He stepped down in July 2001, 21 years after he had been elected as the IOC’s seventh president, and was made life president when he handed power to Rogge.

“I am personally deeply saddened by the death of the man who built up the Olympic Games of the modern era, a man who inspired me, and whose knowledge of sport was truly exceptional,” Rogge said in a statement.

“Thanks to his extraordinary vision and talent, Samaranch was the architect of a strong and unified Olympic Movement.

“I can only pay tribute to his tremendous achievements and legacy, and praise his genuine devotion to the Olympic Movement and its values.”

At last October’s vote in Copenhagen on the host for the 2016 Games, Samaranch made an emotional appeal to IOC members to grant him a last favour and choose Madrid but they picked Rio de Janeiro instead.
“I know that I am very near the end of my time,” Samaranch said during Madrid’s final presentation.
Born in Barcelona on July 17 1920, he enjoyed success as a roller skater and led the Spanish team to the world title.

He pursued a career in sports politics in dictator Francisco Franco’s fascist Spain and won a place on the IOC in 1966.

After Franco’s death, Samaranch was appointed ambassador to the Soviet Union and the contacts he made there helped him succeed Lord Killanin as IOC president in 1980. — Reuters

Malek Noor bergelar Datuk

2010-03-30T18:58:00.001-07:00

MALEK NOOR bersama Ella selepas Majlis Istiadat Pengurniaan Darjah Kebesaran Negeri Pahang di Istana Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang semalam.

PEKAN - Bekas juara bina badan Asia, Malek Noor semalam dianugerahkan Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) membawa gelaran Datuk sempena ulang tahun hari keputeraan ke-79 Sultan Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah pada 24 Oktober lepas.
Malek atau nama sebenarnya Abdul Malek Mohd. Noor merupakan antara 57 penerima DIMP dalam istiadat yang disempurnakan oleh Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah di Balairung Seri Istana Abu Bakar di sini.

Alwi Ahmad meninggal dunia

2010-02-07T18:34:00.001-08:00

ARENA lumba basikal tanah air kehilangan seorang tokoh apabila bekas jurulatih berbasikal kebangsaan, Alwi Ahmad, 76, meninggal dunia, semalam selepas hampir setahun terlantar sakit di kediamannya di Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur.

Bapa kepada jaguh berbasikal negara, Rosman Alwi, pernah dua kali diserang angin ahmar menyebabkan dia tidak mampu lagi berjalan atau bertutur seperti biasa.

“Allahyarham adalah mentor saya dan pemergiannya adalah satu kehilangan besar bagi saya,” kata Rosman ketika dihubungi semalam.

Lebih dikenali sebagai Pak Alwi, Allahyarham adalah atlit yang dihormati sekitar tahun 1950-an sebaris dengan nama besar seperti Shaharuddin Jaafar, Abdul Latif Wahab, Mansor Sawi, Malik Selamat, Kwa Chin Swee, Tay Bok Teck, Samat Kanawi dan Alwi Abdullah.

Alwi yang tidak kenal penat lelah berjaya membentuk Rosman menjadi jaguh pecut cukup disegani di Asia suatu ketika dulu. Bekas rakan sepasukan Alwi, Shaharudin Jaafar yang pernah bersama-samanya mewakili negara ke Sukan Asia dan Sukan Olimpik Munich amat terharu dengan pemergian Allahyarham yang dianggapnya legenda sukan berbasikal negara.

“Dia mengorbankan hidupnya untuk sukan berbasikal,” kata Shaharuddin.

Bharian

King Ghaz Reigned Over Golden Age In Sports

2010-01-26T18:12:00.001-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's prowess in track and field was at its height under Tun Ghazali Shafie when he led the Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) for 26 years from 1962.

It was the golden era especially for the women athletes, namely Marina Chin, V. Angamah, Saik Oik Cum and Zaiton Othman, who dazzled on the track with their gutsy spirit and winning performances.

King Ghaz, as he was fondly referred to, also presided over the likes of "flying doctor" M. Jegathesan, who won in the 1966 Asiad in Bangkok, Ishtiaq Mobarak, who qualified for the semifinals of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Rabuan Pit, who won the Asian sprint gold in 1982 in New Delhi, and B. Rajkumar, who captured the 1986 Asian championships 800m gold in record-shattering style.

Inevitably, Ghazali's death yesterday at the age of 88 was mourned in sports circles.

His love for sports never waned, according to Datuk A. Vaithilingam, one of the longest-serving athletics officials now retired.

The infighting within the MAAU that led to the suspension of the national association by the Sports Commissioner in 2002 pained Ghazali so much so that he called Vaithilingam.

"Vaithi, can we both do something to clear the mess in MAAU now?" Ghazali asked Vaithilingam.

"At that time, he had already left the MAAU for 14 years but he was still concerned. He had full control, discipline, efficiency and mutual respect with democracy as his style," Vaithilingam said.

Ghazali launched a five-year development plan for athletics in 1967 and, by 1972, every state in Malaysia had qualified coaches and officials and all-weather tracks were constructed in most states.

"Those were wonderful years. His interest in the welfare of athletes was always inspiring. During his tenure, Malaysia had a team of golden girls in Angamah, Oik Cum, Marina and Zaiton and we also had Kamaruddin Mydin and Nashatar Singh," Vaithilingam said.

Oik Cum, the lanky young athlete who stunned the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games for the 400m gold medal, has fond memories.

"He was a good leader and very caring," said Oik Cum, who works with a bank here.

Jegathesan, now deputy president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, said Malaysian athletics had plenty to thank Ghazali for.

"During that time, athletes were amateurs and officials were volunteers. Sometimes, he forked out his own money to help us because there was no National Sports Council then.

"The MAAU really depended on his connections and, under King Ghaz, it was truly the golden years," Jegathesan said.

-- BERNAMA

Obituary: Ghazali's legacy remembered

2010-01-25T18:08:00.001-08:00

TUN Ghazali Shafie revolutionised athletics during his near three-decade reign as the Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU) president with the laying of running tracks in almost every state a legacy of his leadership. Ghazali, who presided over the golden years of Malaysian track and field in the 1960s and 1970s, was also a visionary when MAAU became one of the first national associations to formulate a long term development plan.

The plan, which was put in place soon after he was elected president in 1962, led to sustained dominance at the Southeast Asian level while winning honours at Asian level, including a staggering five gold medals at the 1966 Bangkok Asian Games.

Malaysian athletes regularly qualified for the Olympic, and Ghazali's departure from the athletics scene in 1989 preceded a decline in the fortunes of the sport from which it has yet to recover.

Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan, a sprinter in the 1960s and who later served under Ghazali as an MAAU vice president, said Ghazali's passing at age 88 on Sunday was a great loss to Malaysian athletics.

"He was a legend in his own time. I knew him first as an athlete and then as an office bearer and athletics was his passion.

The late Tun Ghazali Shafie

"In those days, there was no government help for sports and we were left to fend for ourselves but Tun worked tirelessly to raise funds for MAAU's programmes.

"We were the No 2 nation in Asia in 1966 and were Sea Games champions several times. Under his tutelage, care and mentorship, Malaysian athletics enjoyed its golden years," said Olympic Council of Malaysia deputy president Jegathesan, who still holds the 200m national record after 42 years.

In an effort to encourage states to contribute to development, Ghazali made it a point to rotate the National Championships around the country with the laying of a bitumen track a condition to hosting the meet.

Datuk A. Vaithilingam, a former MAAU council member, said Ghazali was also responsible for instituting other changes.

"I knew King Ghaz since 1962 when he took over MAAU. He had full control and democracy was his style, there was discipline, efficiency, transparency and mutual respect.

"He launched a five-year development plan in 1967 and by 1972 all states had qualified coaches and officials.

"Race walking and a competition calendar were introduced at national and state levels while states were urged to streamline their administration.

"All-weather tracks were installed in most states while the Malaysian Schools Sports Council and the Armed Forces were invited to sit on the council.

"His interest in the welfare of athletes was inspiring as he reigned during the height of athletics' excellence in Malaysia," said Vaithilingam.

2010/01/26
Devinder Singh- NST

Ghazali Shafie meninggal dunia

2010-01-24T19:10:00.001-08:00

GHAZALI (dua dari kanan) bersama Tun Mahathir dan Tun Musa Hitam bersama bekas Presiden Indonesia, Suharto dalam satu pertemuan di Kuala Lumpur pada tahun 1983.

KUALA LUMPUR - Bekas Menteri Dalam Negeri, Tun Ghazali Shafie, 88, meninggal dunia akibat sakit tua di kediamannya di Subang Jaya dekat sini kira-kira 7.45 malam tadi.
Ghazali yang dilahirkan di Kuala Lipis, Pahang pada 22 Mac 1922 meninggalkan dua orang anak lelaki iaitu Bachtiaer, 53, dan Sheriffudin, 47.
Isteri beliau Toh Puan Khatijah Abdul Majid telah meninggal dunia pada April 2008.
Ghazali merupakan ahli politik pada era Perdana Menteri pertama, Tunku Abdul Rahman hinggalah era Perdana Menteri keempat, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad iaitu dari 1970-1984.
Beliau memainkan peranan penting dalam pembentukan Malaysia apabila menjadi penasihat tetap Suruhanjaya Cobbold bagi meninjau pendapat rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak untuk menyertai Malaysia.

Ro Bin among five inducted into OCM Hall of Fame

2010-01-13T18:35:00.001-08:00

PETALING JAYA: Former Asian Games gold medallists Ho Ro Bin and Lim Keng Liat are among five outstanding former athletes and officials who will be inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Hall of Fame.

Ro Bin is the most successful Malaysian wushu athlete to date. He was the country’s first gold medal in the sport at the 2002 Busan Asiad. He also emerged as the world champion twice – in 1999 and 2005.
In the SEA Games between 1999 and 2005, Ro Bin won a total of three gold medals before retiring from competition in 2006 to become a coach.

Keng Liat is the most outstanding Malaysian swimmer and he is only one to have won an Asian Games gold medal in the sport — in Bangkok in 1998.

Keng Liat was also a good student, graduating from the University of Berkeley in California under a full athletic scholarship.

Also inducted into the Hall of Fame are former national badminton coach Datuk James Selvaraj, former president of the Malay-sian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) and Asian Cycling Congress (ACC) Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill and former national cricket captain Datuk Professor Emeritus Dr A.E. Delilkan.
James was a national player from 1975 to 1982 and he was a member of the Thomas Cup team who were the runners-up to Indonesia in 1976.

Darshan initiated the idea and helped raise funds from the public to build the first velodrome in Malaysia, named Velodrome Rakyat in Ipoh. And the track cycling competitions of the 1989 SEA Games were held there.

The five sports personalities will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame at the OCM annual dinner on Saturday.

The male and female Olympian of the Year awards and the selection will be made based on the achievements in the Laos SEA Games last month.

Swimmer Daniel Bego, who won five gold medals, is the hot favourite to take the men’s award.
The award in the female category is expected to go to the badminton team, who ended a 34-year gold medal drought for Malaysia in the event in Vientiane.

THE STAR

2009 IOC Trophy ‘Sport and the Fight against Doping’

2010-01-11T00:41:00.001-08:00

"The Olympic Council of Malaysia selected Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan, to be the recipient of the 2009 IOC Trophy ‘Sport and the Fight against Doping’. The Trophy will be presented at the 17th OCM Annual Dinner on 16th January 2010.

Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan is the Deputy President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) since 2002 and has been in the forefront of the fight against doping since he became a member of the Sports Medicine Committee of the OCM in the 80’s. He is the present Chairman of the Medical Committee of OCM and adviser to the Medical Committee of the SEA Games Federation. Since 2004, he is the Honorary Medical Adviser of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the Chairman of the Medical Commission of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) since 2007 and a member of the IOC Medical Commission since 2007.

Being a medical doctor himself and an Olympian in the 1960, 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games and the gold medalists in the 100m in Track and Field in the 1962 and the 100m, 200m and 4 X 100m Relay in the 1966 Asian Games, Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan has been very conscious of the need to fight against doping in sport. His two prong strategies in the fight against doping are testing and education. He has diligently carried out his duties and responsibilities as a volunteer in sports medicine, contributing his time, experience and knowledge to the OCM, OCA, CGF and the IOC for over twenty years."

Datuk James Selvaraj

2010-01-07T00:22:00.000-08:00

EPLx Kosmo! Apa khabar, Datuk?

Datuk James Selvaraj Bagus, sihat.

Terima kasih kerana meluangkan masa untuk temu bual ini. Sebagai seorang ahli sukan dan legenda dalam sukan badminton, Datuk tentunya turut meminati bola sepak.

Benar. Bola sepak satu daripada sukan kegemaran saya.

Datuk adalah legenda badminton negara dan mula bergiat di bangku sekolah. Bagaimana pula dengan pembabitan Datuk dalam bola sepak?

St John’s Institution (SJI) (kini SMK St John) sebuah sekolah yang menggalakkan kegiatan sukan, jadi saya aktif dalam pelbagai sukan, terutama badminton, hoki dan merentas desa. Dalam bola sepak pula, saya bermain sebagai pemain tengah tetapi hingga peringkat kelas saja. Masa terluang saya lebih tertumpu kepada badminton, hoki dan larian jarak jauh. Kalau ada saja perlumbaan jarak jauh dan merentas desa, saya antara paling awal mendaftar. Badminton pula memang kegilaan saya waktu itu.

Jadi Datuk mengikuti perkembangan bola sepak Inggeris?

Saya secara diam-diam meminati Chelsea. Saya tidak suka bising-bising meuar-uarkan pasukan kegemaran saya. Dalam keluarga saya, isteri meminati Arsenal, anak tunggal kami pula menyokong Manchester United. Sekarang ini, Chelsea mendominasi EPL. Kadangkala saya suruh mereka diam kerana Chelsea menduduki tangga teratas. Perbezaan pendapat dan kelab ini bagi saya mewujudkan persaingan yang sihat.

Kenapa Chelsea, Datuk?

Saya menyokong the Blues ini hampir 20 tahun. Bagi saya ia kelab yang mengamalkan tradisi dan corak menyerang dan sentiasa positif. Malangnya Chelsea ketandusan kejuaraan besar sehingga sentuhan dari Itali, disusuli suntikan dana Roman Abramovich serta kehadiran Jose Mourinho mencetus kebangkitan besar-besaran.

Siapa pemain kegemaran Datuk?

Pada awal 1990-an, Glenn Hoddle merupakan pemain yang saya kagumi. Walaupun peminat bola sepak lebih mengingati sumbangannya bersama Spurs, saya masih terbayang-bayang cara Hoddle mengawal jentera tengah dan kadangkala benteng pertahanan ketika di hujung kerjayanya. Ketika ini saya mengagumi Nicolas Anelka dan Michael Ballack. Anelka rajin mencari ruang dan tidak mengehadkan sumbangannya di depan gol. Dia juga jarang menghampakan. Apabila Chelsea memerlukan jaringan, Anelka akan menyempurnakannya. Ballack pula ibarat jeneral di padang. Kalau pemain tempatan pula, dulu saya meminati M. Chandran (kini Datuk). Dia kapten Malaysia dan bek tengah yang berwibawa.

Adakah Datuk rajin menonton perlawanan membabitkan Chelsea?

Tidak kira EPL atau Liga Juara-juara Eropah, saya jarang ketinggalan menyaksikan aksi Chelsea. Hingga kadangkala televisyen yang menonton saya.

Biodata

Datuk James Selvaraj
Tarikh lahir: 21 Nov, 1950
Keluarga: Isteri Datin Veronica Anne, anak Jason
Pencapaian: Pingat gangsa Sukan SEA 1977, naib juara Piala Thomas di Bangkok 1976, pingat gangsa Sukan Komanwel Edmonton 1978.

EPLx KOSMO

Datuk Dr M Jegathesan

2010-01-07T00:15:00.000-08:00

EPLx Kosmo! Apa khabar Datuk?
Datuk Dr M Jegathesan Bagus, saya baru pulang dari Sukan SEA Laos.

Datuk antara yang berada di stadium ketika pasukan bola sepak Malaysia merangkul pingat emas di Vientiane.
Ya, sudah lama kita tidak merasakan keseronokan sebegitu. Kontinjen Malaysia diselimuti kegembiraan dan kepuasan. Dengar khabar kontinjen Thailand muncul juara tetapi bersedih kerana emas bola sepak terlepas daripada genggaman mereka.

Nampaknya bola sepak meninggalkan kesan mendalam.
Benar. Ini yang saya namakan faktor impak yang besar. Malah dalam olahraga sendiri, perlumbaan 100 meter lebih besar impaknya daripada 1,500m misalnya. Saya pernah menyebut dalam laporan saya selaku ketua kontinjen ke Sukan Olimpik di Athens bahawa kita harus membuat kajian mengenai kesan satu-satu sukan terhadap masyarakat.

Boleh Datuk jelaskan?
Renungkan bagaimana impaknya jika seorang anak Malaysia mara ke perlumbaan akhir 100m di Sukan Olimpik berbanding dengan kejayaan seorang atlet memenangi pingat dalam sukan lain. Jika bola sepak pula melayakkan diri ke Sukan Olimpik, tentunya kita akan berpesta di jalanan. Jadi ada sesetengah sukan yang harus diberi perangsang untuk maju di peringkat dunia tapi pada masa yang sama kita tidak boleh mengetepikan sukan teras seperti trek dan padang, gimnastik dan renang. Berlari, melompat dan melontar boleh diibaratkan sama pentingnya seperti membaca, menulis dan mengira. Kita harus mengkaji dan menilai faktor impak sesuatu sukan sebelum kita menetapkan hala tujunya. Bagaimana kita mengkaji impak jika kita memenangi pingat dalam acara yang kita perkenalkan berbanding kejayaan dalam satu acara yang diterima dan diiktiraf secara global? Saya juga percaya atlet tidak boleh dilayan sama rata. Klasifikasinya jelas, anda sama ada No 1, 2 atau 3. Sama ada anda menang atau kalah. Jadi No 1 harus diberi segala bentuk bantuan dan kemudahan berbanding atlet lain yang baru merangkak.

Kemenangan anak buah K. Rajagobal ke atas Vietnam dalam final Sukan SEA dinanti-nantikan, Datuk?
Sudah tentu. Dua dekad satu tempoh yang cukup panjang. Saya sudah banyak terbabit dalam Sukan SEA dalam pelbagai kapasiti dan sudah lama saya tidak merasakan bahangnya apabila pasukan bola sepak kita berjaya.

Jadi bagaimana Datuk melihat impak Liga Perdana England?
Ia berada di sekeliling kita. Kesannya terhadap masyarakat, khususnya penggemar sukan dan bola sepak, cukup besar. Dengan arus teknologi, klik saja dan kita boleh lihat dan kaji apa yang berlaku di tempat lain.

Adakah Datuk penggemar EPL?
Saya mengikuti perlawanan EPL tetapi tidak taksub dengan mana-mana pasukan. Barangkali ini disebabkan saya sendiri bekas atlet berprestasi tinggi dan menikmati pengalaman beraksi di Sukan Olimpik.

Bagaimana pula dengan ahli keluarga Datuk?
Dulu mendiang bapa saya (N.M. Vasagam) seorang pengadil bertaraf kebangsaan. Dia adalah setiausaha pengasas Majlis Olimpik Malaysia yang dulunya dikenali sebagai FMOC dan juga KOAM. Zaman dulu jumlah pegawai sukan cukup kecil. Biasanya pengadil bola sepak juga boleh menjalankan tugas sebagai pegawai olahraga dan hoki. Tapi saya dan saudara-saudara saya yang lebih tua lebih cenderung kepada olahraga. Bola sepak lebih banyak dibincangkan berasaskan laporan akhbar ketika itu.

Bagaimana Datuk melihat kemajuan teknologi dalam membangunkan sukan?
Televisyen dan internet mengubah cara kita berfikir. Televisyen hanya muncul dalam hidup kita pada lewat 1960-an. Kini setiap pergerakan atlet dan pemain boleh diperhalusi dan diperincikan. Setiap jaringan dan umpanan serta larian boleh diulang tayang berpuluh-puluh kali menjadikan penontonnya puas. Pada masa yang sama mereka sudah biasa dengan standard permainan yang tinggi yang dipamerkan di Eropah misalnya. Jadi kayu pengukur bagi semua cukup jelas. Kita tidak boleh lari daripada hakikat ini. Apabila pemain kita sendiri terdedah dengan perkembangan ini, maka cabarannya ialah meniru dan meningkatkan prestasi mereka.

Siapakah personaliti bola sepak yang Datuk pernah temui secara bersemuka?
Pele dan Franz Beckenbauer. Mereka biasa diundang untuk majlis Jawatankuasa Olimpik Antarabangsa (IOC) dan FIFA.

Terima kasih, Datuk.
Kembali.

Biodata

Datuk Dr Jegathesan Manickavasagam
Jawatan dalam sukan: Timbalan Presiden, Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM)
Tarikh lahir: 2 November, 1943
Keluarga: Isteri Datin Lee Hong dan tiga anak - Ashelee, Shirene dan Nicky.
Pencapaian: Pingat perak 4x400m Sukan SEAP 1959 SEAP, pingat emas 400m (48.3s), 200m (21.5s) dan 4x100m Sukan SEAP 1961; pingat emas 100m, 200m dan 4x100m Sukan Asia 1962; separuh akhir 200m Sukan Olimpik Tokyo 1964; pingat emas 100m, 200m dan 4x100m Sukan Asia 1966; separuh akhir 200m Sukan Olimpik Mexico 1968.
Perkhidmatan kerajaan: Ketua patologi HKL (1985-88); Pengarah Institut Kajian Perubatan (IMR) (1988-93); Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (kajian dan sokongan teknikal) Kementerian Kesihatan (1993-98); Penasihat Perubatan Majlis Kajian dan Pembangunan Kesihatan UNDP di Geneva;

EPLx Kosmo!

Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad

2010-01-07T00:12:00.000-08:00

[EPLx KOSMO! Apa khabar, Datuk Seri?

Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad Alhamdulillah, sihat.

Terima kasih Datuk Seri kerana meluangkan masa untuk interbiu ini. Bagaimana Datuk Seri melihat kemenangan pasukan Bawah 23 kebangsaan dalam Sukan SEA di Laos baru-baru ini?

Syabas saya ucapkan kepada K. Rajagobal dan anak buahnya. Pujian harus diberikan kepada mereka. Walaupun Sukan SEA dianggap pentas paling rendah untuk kita meraih kejayaan, penantian 20 tahun yang dinoktahkan harus menjadi titik permulaan yang baru buat bola sepak Malaysia.

Kalau kita kaji latar belakang pasukan ini, tulang belakangnya dibentuk oleh beberapa anak buah Rajagobal yang layak ke Kejohanan Bawah 20 Asia di India pada 2006. Pasukan itu pula adalah generasi pertama yang bernaung di bawah Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) menerusi perjanjian di antara Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) dan Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS). KBS ketika itu diterajui oleh Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said dan MSN diwakili ketua pengarahnya, Datuk Zolkples Embong. Menerusi langkah radikal ini, pada dasarnya Harimau Muda ketika itu ditaja sepenuhnya oleh kerajaan. Segala bentuk bantuan, sama ada kewangan, sains sukan dan tajaan program latihan dihulurkan oleh MSN, manakala FAM mengurus dari segi teknikal. Proses ini akhirnya berkesudahan dengan pingat emas di Vientiane.

Datuk Seri tidak terbabit pada perayaan di Laos?

Saya bukan lagi Setiausaha Agung FAM. Tapi setidak-tidaknya bagi mereka yang mengkaji sejarah dan latar belakang pembentukan pasukan ini, pembabitan di balik tabir beberapa individu yang tidak lagi dalam pentadbiran FAM tidak harus dinafikan. Ketika itu juga saya masih ingat kecaman yang ditujukan kepada FAM atas keputusan menyerahkan Harimau Muda kepada kerajaan. Jika kita toleh ke belakang, ia keputusan yang tepat.

Pasukan Bawah 20 Rajagobal satu ketika menjalani latihan di Carrington, gelanggang latihan Manchester United, bukan begitu, Datuk Seri?

Benar. Ia sebahagian daripada proses pembelajaran bagi mereka. Kebetulan Manchester United pasukan kegemaran saya sejak di bangku sekolah.

Kenapa United, Datuk Seri?

Disebabkan tradisi dan sejarah United yang bangkit daripada tragedi di Munich pada 1958. Saya masih ingat apabila United menjuarai Piala Eropah pada 1968, perlawanan itu disiarkan secara tertunda di Malaysia beberapa minggu kemudian. Sebagai pelajar universiti, kami menonton perlawanan secara beramai-ramai di common room (bilik televisyen). Maklumlah, ketika itu mana ada Internet, telefon bimbit dan televisyen satelit. Segala-galanya bergerak dengan perlahan. Peminat bola sepak tekun dan sabar mengikuti perkembangan menerusi media yang ada, iaitu majalah dan akhbar dari England. Itupun ia diimport dan dibawa beberapa bulan lewat daripada tarikh terbitan. Kalau final Piala FA diadakan pada Mei, hanya pada Ogos atau September baru gambar dan laporan perlawanan dibaca. Perlawanan liga Divisyen Satu pula disiarkan semusim atau dua musim lewat. Saya melanggan majalah Shoot! di samping berpeluang menelaah akhbar Inggeris the Times di sekolah.

Datuk Seri aktif sebagai pemain?

Di sekolah saya terpilih sebagai penjaga gol. Lazimnya waktu dulu, pemain dipilih berdasarkan kepantasan dan ketinggian. Disebabkan ketinggian saya, saya terpilih menjaga gawang. Tapi tidak sampai ke peringkat daerah atau yang lebih tinggi.

Siapa pemain kegemaran Datuk Seri?

Kalau zaman 1960-an, sudah tentu tiga serangkai George Best, Denis Law dan Bobby Charlton yang digelar Holy Trinity. Mereka sukar digugat. Best pakar gelecek, Law bijak mencium peluang manakala Charlton seorang pemain tengah bercorak menyerang yang bertaraf dunia.

Ketika ini, siapa yang meniti di bibir Datuk Seri?

Ryan Giggs. Bagi saya, dia simbol pemain yang setia, berdisiplin tinggi, tidak mengundang kontroversi dan tidak mudah patah semangat. Malangnya seperti juga Best, Giggs tidak berpeluang beraksi dalam Piala Dunia.

Sudah tentu Datuk Seri pernah menyaksikan perlawanan di Old Trafford?

Ada beberapa kali, jika saya singgah di London, saya menaiki keretapi atau bas untuk ke Manchester. Saya ke sana pada awalnya sebagai pelancong dan kemudiannya sebagai wakil FAM untuk menyaksikan selok-belok latihan di Carrington.

Datuk Seri pernah ke Stadium Wembley?

Beberapa kali juga, termasuk beberapa perlawanan sebelum ia dirobohkan untuk mendirikan stadium yang baru.

Dalam ramai-ramai personaliti yang ditemui, siapa antara yang kekal segar dalam ingatan?

Bekas penyerang Cameroon, Roger Milla, yang saya temui pada Piala Dunia di Perancis pada 1998. Juga Bobby Charlton, seorang duta United yang hebat. Alex Ferguson juga seorang yang berhemah, tidak seperti yang digambarkan dalam media. Begitu juga Roy Keane, seorang lelaki budiman yang sopan, sepertimana David Beckham.

Terima kasih Datuk Seri.
Kembali

BIODATA
DATUK SERI DR IBRAHIM SAAD
Tarikh lahir: 3 Ogos, 1946 (Bukit Mertajam)
Keluarga: Isteri Datin Seri Zainab Abdul Kader, lima anak
Jawatan dalam sukan: Pengerusi Panel Penasihat Sukan (2005), Pengerusi AsiaKomm Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), Naib Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) 1998-2005, Setiausaha Agung FAM (2005-2007), Naib Presiden MOM 2007-2009.

EPLx

Champion in the mind.

2010-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

Olympic Museum - Virtual Exhibition (Click HERE)

2009-12-30T00:55:00.001-08:00

Pesanan kapten skuad 1989

2009-12-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

AHMAD (berdiri tiga dari kanan) bersama barisan pemain yang meraih pingat emas pada Sukan SEA 1989 di Kuala Lumpur selepas menewaskan Singapura 3-1 pada perlawanan akhir di Stadium Merdeka.

"MAIN dengan penuh kesungguhan dan jangan mudah putus asa. Bila dapat peluang, gunakannya dengan sebaik mungkin."

Demikian pesanan Ahmad Yusoff, kapten skuad bola sepak kebangsaan yang merangkul pingat emas Sukan SEA 1989 di Kuala Lumpur kepada pemain-pemain skuad bawah 23 tahun (B-23) yang akan menentang Vietnam pada final Sukan SEA 2009 di Vientiane, Laos petang esok.

Menurut Ahmad, 49, bertemu Vietnam bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah tetapi pada masa yang sama tidak mustahil juga pemain skuad B-23 negara mencatat kemenangan, sekali gus menamatkan kemarau 20 tahun pingat emas.

"Berdasarkan aksi separuh akhir bertemu Laos semalam (kelmarin), saya nampak permainan mereka bagus dan pemain kita nampak bersemangat.

"Saya yakin skuad 2009 ini mampu mengulangi kejayaan skuad 1989 dan berjaya menamatkan kemarau berpanjangan itu," katanya ketika ditemui selepas Majlis Undian Piala FA 2010 di Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya semalam.

Mengimbas kembali final Sukan SEA 1989 di Stadium Merdeka itu, Ahmad berkata, semangat mereka ketika itu begitu tinggi memandangkan ia turut disaksikan mantan Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed.

"Semangat kami ketika itu cukup tinggi kerana mahu menebus keke- cewaan tewas 0-1 kepada Indonesia pada final Sukan SEA 1987 di Jakarta.

"Turun dengan hampir semua pemain yang sama pada 1987, kami akhirnya berjaya meraih pingat emas selepas menewaskan Singapura 3-1 pada final 1989 itu," kata Ahmad yang kini merupakan jurula- tih skuad Liga Super Kedah.

Ahmad memberitahu, kesebelasan utama skuad 1989 itu ditunjangi Rashid Hassan (penjaga gol), Razip Ismail, Serbegeth Singh, Kamarulzaman Yusof, Salim Mahmud (pertahanan), Mat Zan Mat Aris, Lim Teong Kim (tengah) manakala serangan diterajui Dollah Salleh, Zainal Abidin Hassan dan A. Anbala- gan.

Dua gol skuad bimbingan jurulatih Trevor Hartley itu dijaringkan oleh Teong Kim manakala satu lagi mene- rusi Dollah.

Sementara itu, seorang lagi pemain skuad 1989, Razip yang ditemui semalam menambah, pemain skuad B-23 negara tidak sepatutnya berada dalam tekanan apabila turun menghadapi Vietnam petang esok.

"Vietnam sepatutnya yang lebih tertekan kerana mereka mahu mengulangi kemenangan 3-1 ke atas Malaysia pada peringkat kumpulan. Lagipun kita tidak mendapat tekanan penonton.

"Tidak seperti pada final 1989, kami beraksi di hadapan penonton sendiri ditambah pula suasana perlawanan dalam keadaan hujan.

"Apa pun, saya yakin inilah skuad terbaik untuk menamatkan kemarau 20 tahun pingat emas," kata Razip yang kini menjadi jurulatih skuad Liga Super Kuala Lumpur.

Lelaki emas Asia Tenggara

2009-12-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Sempena penganjuran Sukan SEA ke-25 di Vientiane Laos, Kosmo! 2 menyorot kegemilangan tiga orang atlet dari tiga dekad berbeza.

PELUH mereka sudah banyak mengalir demi nama Malaysia. Di trek basikal, di kolam renang dan di trek olahraga. Tiga lagenda sukan tanah air, Rosman Alwi, Alex Lim Keng Liat dan Nazmizan Muhammad telah berjuang tanpa mengenal erti putus asa.

Dalam diri mereka hanya ada semangat untuk mengharumkan nama Malaysia, selain mencari kemasyhuran karier di pentas antarabangsa.

Sifu trek lumba basikal, Rosman sudah hampir sepuluh tahun bersara. Sementara raja kolam renang, Alex sudah tiga tahun bergelar jurulatih renang.

Bekas raja pecut Asia Tenggara, Nazmizan pula lebih banyak menghabiskan masanya sebagai pegawai tadbir di Pusat Sukan Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

Menariknya, Rosman, Alex dan Nazmizan ialah tiga generasi atlet negara dari tiga era berbeza. Mereka pernah mencipta nama di temasya sukan terbesar rantau Asia Tenggara, Sukan SEA pada tahun 1980-an, 1990-an dan 2000.

Di pentas itulah mereka membuktikan keupayaan sebagai jaguh. Di pentas yang sama jugalah Rosman, Alex dan Nazmizan melalui detik-detik kegemilangan.

Apa yang pasti, ketiga-tiga legenda itu menganggap Sukan SEA sebagai tapak terbaik untuk mencipta nama di arena antarabangsa.

WAJAH garang Rosman sering menghadirkan debaran di hati pelumba lain.

Secara tradisinya, Sukan SEA ialah platform sulung buat mana-mana atlet di Asia Tenggara untuk mencipta nama, sebelum melebarkan sayap ke temasya Sukan Asia, Sukan Komanwel dan seterusnya Sukan Olimpik.

Selain Rosman, Alex dan Nazmizan, Sukan SEA juga menjadi saksi kepada lahirnya ramai legenda sukan terbilang tanah air.

Siapa tidak kenal dengan ratu kolam renang, Nurul Huda Abdullah? Dia pernah menyumbang 22 pingat emas buat Malaysia dari kolam renang sekitar tahun 1985 hingga 1989.

Begitu juga dengan ketepatan Sam Chong di meja snuker pada Sukan SEA 1993 hingga 1999, apabila dia berjaya merangkul lapan pingat emas dalam kategori individu.

M. Ramachandran turut diingati sebagai legenda Sukan SEA. Bekas jaguh olahraga dalam acara 5,000 dan 10,000 meter itu pernah meraih lapan pingat emas dari tahun 1993 hingga 1999.

Rosman digelar 'Mbak Sepeda'

Dalam kalangan pencabarnya, Rosman ialah satu nama yang cukup digeruni. Malah, pasukan lumba basikal Indonesia pernah memberi gelaran 'Mbak Sepeda' atau sifu basikal kepada anak kelahiran Kuala Lumpur itu.

Satu jolokan yang amat sesuai untuk dirinya setelah terlibat 30 tahun sukan berbasikal. Ia merupakan satu tempoh yang cukup lama dan masih belum ada mana-mana pelumba yang dapat memecahkan rekod tersebut.

GANDINGAN Rosman (tengah) bersama Josiah Ng (kiri) dan Ghaffuan Ghazli hadiahkan pingat perak buat negara pada Sukan SEA 2001 di Kuala Lumpur.

Di Malaysia, rata-rata penulis sukan menggelar Rosman sebagai 'kuda tua' hanya kerana penampilannya di trek lumba basikal pada usia mencecah 40 tahun.

Sepanjang bergelar atlet, Rosman yang kini berusia 48 tahun telah merasai suasana beraksi di pentas Sukan SEA dalam empat era iaitu 1970-an, 1980-an, 1990-an dan 2000.

Namun, di sebalik kegemilangan itu, Rosman terpaksa melalui detik-detik sukar sebelum sampai ke puncak kejayaan hasil dorongan ayahnya, Alwi Ahmad atau lebih dikenali dengan panggilan Pak Alwi.

"Ramai orang kata bakat dan latihan adalah tunjang kepada kejayaan. Namun bagi saya, akal dan hati adalah segalanya. Di sinilah (hati) tersimpan kemahuan sama ada memilih kejayaan atau kegagalan," ujar Rosman ketika ditemui Kosmo! baru-baru ini.

Lantas, Rosman mengakui dua elemen itu (akal dan hati) jarang ada dalam diri atlet zaman sekarang.

"Kami (atlet terdahulu) bertanding atas nama Malaysia. Peluh serta air mata kami mengalir demi maruah Malaysia. Kalah kami sebagai atlet Malaysia dan menang kami juga sebagai atlet Malaysia.

"Tetapi sekarang, atlet seakan-akan lena dibuai kemewahan. Hanya berbekalkan kejayaan kecil, habuan lumayan sudah menanti. Akibatnya, semangat yang ada dalam diri atlet seolah-olah semakin cair," jelasnya.

ALEX permata kolam renang yang sukar dicari ganti.

Di sebalik kejayaan besar yang dikecapinya, perasaan sedih tetap bersarang di hati tatkala memikirkan tentang 'budaya tikam belakang' yang ada dalam sukan tanah air.

"Saya pernah gagal untuk bertanding di Sukan SEA hanya kerana disahkan mengalami penyakit misteri. Puncanya, kerana sikap dengki yang ada dalam diri manusia yang tidak mahu saya berjaya," ceritanya.

Alex tidak takut lemas

Sementara itu, di kolam renang nama Alex begitu disegani. Setiap renangannya pasti menjanjikan kilauan pingat buat negara terutama dalam Sukan SEA.

Sejak mengabadikan diri di kolam renang seawal usia tujuh tahun, dia tidak pernah takut lemas. Sebaliknya terus menjadikan kolam renang sebagai lubuk rezekinya.

"Setiap kali turun ke kolam renang, perasaan luar biasa akan timbul dalam diri saya. Walaupun terpaksa berlatih sepanjang hari, saya tidak pernah takut untuk berdepan apa jua risiko.

"Hampir 20 tahun saya abadikan diri di kolam renang. Sepanjang itu juga saya berbangga kerana hasilnya telah meletakkan nama saya di puncak dunia," jelas anak kelahiran Sabah berusia 27 tahun itu.

Persoalannya, bagaimana dengan masa depan sukan renang Malaysia pada masa akan datang? Alex secara terbuka menyuarakan kebimbangannya ketika negara Asia lain terus menggoncang dunia.

"Malaysia memang memiliki ramai perenang berbakat dan mereka ialah jaguh di peringkat Sukan SEA. Tetapi, perlukah kita berbangga hanya dengan kejayaan ini? Masih adakah lagi perenang kita yang mampu meraih pingat emas di pentas Sukan SEA?" soalnya.

Bagi Alex, bukan bakat dan saiz badan yang membezakan perenang dahulu dengan sekarang, tetapi pengalaman dan pendedahan yang menjadi batasan.

"Perlu latihan di luar negara dan pendedahan bersaing dengan perenang antarabangsa. Masalahnya, atlet kita terlalu manja dan lebih gembira berlatih di Malaysia. Sedangkan pengorbanan perlu dilakukan untuk mencapai sesuatu.

"Saya sendiri pernah berlatih di Amerika Syarikat selama sepuluh tahun. Dalam tempoh itu, saya telah belajar untuk menjadi atlet yang tahu mencari kelebihan diri sendiri," katanya lagi.

Anak Dungun gegar Vietnam

Lagu Negaraku berkumandang dengan cukup megah di Stadium Nasional My Dinh, Hanoi pada Sukan SEA 2003. Alunan itu menjadi saksi kejayaan Nazmizan dalam acara 100 meter.

Pencapaian itu sekali gus menobatkan anak kelahiran Kampung Durian Mentangau, Dungun Terengganu, Nazmizan sebagai Raja Pecut Asia Tenggara.

Malah, Nazmizan melengkapkan tahun penuh gemilangnya di Hanoi dengan kemenangan berganda dalam acara 200 meter, sekali gus menjadikannya atlet Malaysia pertama meraih emas acara 100 dan 200 meter di Sukan SEA selepas 36 tahun.

Bagaimanapun, Nazmizan menganggap kejayaan itu sebagai 'keajaiban' yang mungkin tidak mampu diulanginya.

PECUTAN emas Nazmizan (kanan) yang membolehkannya dinobatkan Raja Pecut Asia Tenggara pada Sukan SEA 2003 di Vietnam.

"Saya sebenarnya tidak layak untuk beraksi pada Sukan SEA 2003 kerana gagal melepasi had kelayakan. Namun, selepas perbincangan dan rayuan dibuat, saya telah diberi peluang, itu pun atas tiket sebagai atlet Kategori B.

"Tiada siapa mengenali saya ketika itu. Walaupun dalam hati kecil saya tetap terdetik untuk mencipta sejarah di bumi Vietnam. Ketika acara 100 meter berlangsung, saya tidak memikirkan apa-apa selain ingin menamatkan perlumbaan," jelasnya.

Nazmizan hanya mengambil masa 10.47 saat untuk meletakkan namanya dalam lipatan sejarah. Sekali gus mengulangi pencapaian yang pernah dilakukan G. Rajalingam di Bangkok pada tahun 1967.

Paling penting, kejayaan pada Sukan SEA itu telah mengubah kehidupan Nazmizan daripada anak kampung kepada bintang sukan tersohor tanah air.

Malah, pencapaian itu membolehkan Nazmizan berlatih di bawah kendalian bekas juara pecut Olimpik, Michael Johnson di Amerika Syarikat. Selain layak beraksi pada Sukan Olimpik di Athens pada tahun 2004.

Hati sayu dengar lagu Negaraku

Baik Rosman, Alex mahupun Nazmizan, tiga legenda itu telah merasai jatuh bangun sebagai atlet sukan. Sekalipun dijulang ketika menang dan dicaci ketika tumbang, naluri lelaki mereka tetap sayu ketika mendengarkan lagu Negaraku berkumandang.

"Telah terbukti bahawa atlet Malaysia mampu berdiri sama tinggi dan duduk sama rendah dengan atlet lain," ujar Nazmizan.

Kini, Rosman, Alex dan Nazmizan hanya mampu memerhatikan dari jauh perjuangan atlet-atlet muda Malaysia yang kini berjuang di bumi Laos sempena temasya Sukan SEA 2009.

"Sukan SEA masih relevan dan di sinilah segala-galanya bermula," kata Rosman.

Salam Aidil Adha!!!

2009-11-25T20:04:00.001-08:00

Yakeb akan turut bantu Ishtiaq

2009-11-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Yayasan Atlet Kebangsaan (Yakeb) berkesempatan mengunjungi bekas pemain bola sepak kebangsaan, Santokh Singh dan bekas atlet olahraga kebangsaan, Ishtiaq Mubarak, semalam.

Menurut Pengurus Keahlian Yakeb, Aminuddin Mohd Nasir, kunjungan yang dilakukan terhadap kedua-dua atlet yang telah banyak berkorban untuk negara itu ialah untuk memberi motivasi dan melihat keadaan semasa mereka.

"Selain bertanya khabar, kami juga ingin mengetahui keadaan sebenar mereka dan melihat sumbangan yang boleh dihulurkan untuk meringankan beban mereka,' katanya di sini, semalam.

Jelasnya, selepas melawat kedua-dua atlet tersebut, Yakeb akan cuba sedaya upaya menyampaikan maklumat kepada rakan seperjuangan yang lain mengenai keadaan kesihatan kedua-dua bekas atlet kebangsaan itu.

"Apabila kita sudah mendapat maklumat terkini dan keadaan mereka sekarang, kami akan cuba hebahkan kepada rakan lain supaya mereka boleh meluangkan masa untuk melawat dan menghulurkan sumbangan.

"Kami juga berharap kunjungan terhadap kedua-dua bekas atlet kebangsaan itu akan memberikan motivasi buat mereka serta seluruh ahli keluarga," ujarnya.

Katanya, mereka akan berusaha memberi bantuan dari pelbagai aspek bagi membolehkan bekas atlet diberi layanan sepatutnya sebagai membalas jasa mereka sebelum ini.

"Sebagai contoh kami cuba untuk memindahkan Santokh dari wad kelas tiga ke wad kelas pertama sebelum dia tidak sedarkan diri, bagaimanapun atas nasihat doktor dia dikekalkan di wad tersebut dan kini berada di Unit Rawatan Rapi (ICU).

"Kami membuat lawatan bukan di atas dasar kewangan semata-mata tetapi melihat keadaan terkini mereka sebelum membincangkan jenis bantuan yang boleh dihulurkan dalam masa terdekat," katanya.

Pada lawatan itu, Yakeb turut mengunjungi seorang lagi bekas atlet kebangsaan, Hashim Abdul Rahman (lumba basikal) yang dirawat dekat hospital yang sama.

Selain Aminuddin antara bekas atlet yang turut serta dalam lawatan tersebut ialah bekas atlet bina badan, Datuk Malek Noor, Jalani Sidek (badminton), Shaharudin Jaffar (lumba basikal), Ramjit Nairulal (olahraga) dan Roswadi Abdul Rashid (angkat berat).

Rombongan Yakeb terlebih dahulu berkunjung ke kediaman bekas atlet lari berpagar, Ishtiaq di Hulu Klang yang dikhabarkan mengalami sakit belakang dan sengal badan.

Atlet yang pernah beraksi sebanyak tiga kali di Sukan Olimpik itu pada era 70an telah menjalani imbasan di Pusat Pakar Damansara untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut keadaan kesihatannya.

Kesihatan Santokh semakin baik

2009-11-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

Razali Ibrahim (tengah) sambil diiringi Zolkples Embong ketika meluangkan masa melawat Santokh Singh di Hospital Besar Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR - Timbalan Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Razali Ibrahim akan meminta Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan (Yakeb) melihat bentuk sumbangan untuk bekas pemain bola sepak negara, Santokh Singh yang kini terlantar di Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).

Katanya, kementerian berharap yayasan yang dipimpin Datuk Paduka Dr. Mumtaz Jaffar ini mampu menjalankan daya usaha tertentu dalam meringankan beban keluarga bek tengah Selangor dan Malaysia pada era 1970-an hingga 80-an itu.

"Kementerian tiada skim khas dalam membantu atlet yang mengalami masalah sebegitu tetapi kami berharap Yakeb mengambil daya usaha tertentu dan melihat keperluan yang boleh diberikan kepada Santokh," katanya selepas mengunjungi bekas pemain itu di sini, semalam.

Mengenai Santokh yang dimasukkan ke Unit Rawatan Rapi Am (GICU) HKL sejak Khamis lalu, kata Razali, bekas pemain berusia 57 tahun dan memiliki 150 penampilan antarabangsa itu, semakin pulih dan mampu mengenali sesiapa yang hadir melawatnya.

"Dia teruja dengan kedatangan kami (bersama Ketua Pengarah Majlis Sukan Negara, Datuk Zolkples Embong dan Ketua Pengarah Institut Sukan Negara, Datuk Dr. Ramlan Aziz) dan cuba berkomunikasi tetapi ada tiub yang dipasang pada mukanya.

"Saya cukup menghormati beliau bukan sekadar pemain bola sepak kebanggaan negara bahkan dia menjadi contoh pada zaman kemuncaknya. Saya pun terkejut dia dimasukkan ke HKL kerana dalam beberapa majlis yang dihadirinya sebelum ini, dia cukup sihat," katanya.

Walaupun tidak serius dan hanya mungkin didapati mengalami jangkitan virus, Santokh menurutnya, masih perlu ditahan dan dipantau di wad GICU HKL manakala alat bantuan pernafasan yang dipasang padanya, cuma sebagai memudahkannya bernafas dengan selesa.

Sementara itu, Razali menggesa mana-mana atlet yang masih aktif membuat caruman Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) mahupun membeli polisi perlindungan insurans sebagai langkah berjaga-jaga sekiranya ditimpa penyakit, kemalangan atau kecederaan serius.

"Kebanyakan mereka hanya bermain dan bekerja secara kontrak dan kemungkinan tidak memiliki skim insurans atau mencarum dengan KWSP.

''Justeru perlu ada langkah berjaga-jaga apatah lagi kita tidak tahu dan tidak mampu menduga bilakah sesuatu yang buruk bakal berlaku," katanya. UTUSAN

Santokh Singh hospitalised

2009-11-23T00:32:00.000-08:00

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (third from right) shaking hands with Selangor veterans’ Santokh Singh.

SOCCER legend Santokh Singh has been hospitalised since early this week due to a medical condition.

It remains unknown to what has befallen Santokh, 57, as streams of family members and friends have been visiting him at the Intensive Care Unit in KL Hospital.

Among those who visited Santokh yesterday included former internationals Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Datuk M. Chandran, national coach K. Rajagobal and childhood friend Reduan Abdullah.

"Santokh is my 'kampung' (Setapak) boy. We all grew up together and he refers to my mother as his mother, as our mothers are good friends," said Rajagobal.

"It's a shame to see him in such a condition. For all that he has done for the country and for the man he is, I pray he gets well soon."

An instrumental defender, Santokh first represented Selangor in the Burnley Cup in 1971 and played for the senior squad a year later.

In 1973, then national coach M. Kuppan roped Santokh into the national stable for the Jakarta Independence Cup (Piala Merdeka Jakarta) and aided Malaysia to create history by netting the 1974 Asian Games bronze medal in Tehran, Iran.

He was also part of the team that qualified for the 1980 Moscow Olympics but failed to see action in Russia after the government decided to boycott the Games.

Santokh quit Selangor in 1985 but has been playing in several veteran matches in and outside the country since.

Our prayers are with Santokh and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Ishtiaq Mubarak - Our legends in 110 m hurdles!

2009-11-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

Ishtiaq Mubarak first represented the country at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok where he won a bronze medal in the 110 m hurdles. Eight years later at the 1974 Asian Games, he won a silver medal. He proved his distinction in Asia by winning the silver medal at the Asian Track and Field Championship 1973 and 1975.

The hurdler represented the country at three consecutive Olympic Games - Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, and Montreal 1976. At the 1976 Games, Isthiaq was the only Malaysian to qualify for the semi finals making him only the second Malaysian to do so at the Olympic, after M. Jegathesan in Tokyo 1964. Ishtiaq also the flag bearer for 1976 Olympic Games.

Ishtiaq won the 110m hurdles title at the SEA Games in 1969, 1971, (with new SEA Games record of 14.4), 1973 and 1977.
His national record for the 110 m hurdles (14.08) stood for 15 years until it broken by Nur Haerman Majid.

Istiaq was inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame in 2002.

Sukan Olimpik - cabaran atlet Malaysia

2009-11-22T23:31:00.000-08:00

STADIUM Kebangsaan China atau dikenali sebagai ‘Sarang Burung’ (Bird’s nest) yang akan menjadi lokasi utama acara-acara Sukan Olimpik sudah bersiap sedia menyambut atlet-atlet dari seluruh dunia.

MENGIKUT legenda, Sukan Olimpik purba mula diperkenalkan oleh Hercules, anak kepada Zeus dari zaman Yunani.

Sejarah menyebut Sukan Olimpik pertama kali diadakan pada tahun 776 sebelum Masihi, walaupun ramai yang mempercayai tarikh sebenar bila temasya itu dilangsungkan berlaku lebih awal daripada umum mengetahuinya.

Mengikut catatan, Coroebus, seorang pelari yang mengambil bahagian dalam temasya itu telah memenangi acara lari 192 meter, sekali gus menjadikannya sebagai juara pertama dalam sejarah Olimpik.

Tahun silih berganti, Sukan Olimpik purba terus berkembang dan mula diperkenalkan dalam empat tahun sekali untuk selama 1,200 tahun. Bagaimanapun, pada tahun 393 selepas Masihi, kerajaan empayar Yunani yang diperintah oleh Maharaja Theodosius 1, seorang yang berfahaman kristian mengharamkan sukan itu yang dikatakan menjadi festival bagi orang tidak beragama (pagan).

Titik-tolak daripada tindakan Maharaja Theodosius, Sukan Olimpik terhenti selama ribuan tahun sehinggalah ia diadakan semula pada abad ke-19 oleh seorang bangsawan Perancis bernama Pierre de Coubertin.

Coubertin dilahirkan pada tahun 1863. Dia hanya berusia tujuh tahun ketika Perancis di bawah penaklukan Jerman dalam perang Franco-Prusia pada 1870.

Ada pandangan yang mengatakan, Coubertin menyumbang kepada kemenangan Perancis dalam peperangan itu selepas mendapati faktor kekalahan Perancis pada awalnya adalah disebabkan askarnya yang lesu.

Selepas beberapa tahun dengan melakukan kajian dan pemerhatian, Coubertin membuat kesimpulan bahawa faktor keletihan askar Perancis dalam peperangan itu adalah disebabkan kurangnya masa bersukan.

Minat Coubertin bukan sekadar memulihkan semangat askar Perancis tetapi lebih daripada itu. Dia kemudiannya menubuhkan sebuah organisasi sukan USFSA untuk tujuan itu. Dua tahun kemudian Coubertin mencadangkan agar Sukan Olimpik diadakan semula dan pada tahun 1892, USFSA mengadakan konvensyen pertamanya di Paris.

Pada perjumpaan itu, suaranya tidak diendahkan sehinggalah dua tahun kemudiannya apabila Coubertin menganjurkan pertemuan 79 delegasi daripada sembilan negara yang akhirnya membentuk Jawatankuasa Olimpik Antarabangsa (IOC).

Wakil Greece, Demetrious Vikelas telah dipilih sebagai presiden yang pertama manakala Athens sebagai tempat untuk mengembalikan semula Sukan Olimpik dan pusat pentadbirannya.

Sukan Olimpik pertama dibuka pada April 1896 dengan memilih Stadium Panathenaic yang asalnya dibina pada tahun 330 selepas Masihi sebagai venue pertama.

Kontinjen negara menyertai Sukan Olimpik sejak penyertaan pertama temasya Melbourne 1956 melainkan pada tahun 1980 apabila Malaysia telah menyertai gagasan negara-negara barat untuk memulaukan Sukan Olimpik Moscow 1980.

Sejak penglibatan Malaysia dalam Olimpik, sukan seperti akuatik dan olahraga merupakan yang kerap menyertainya sehingga tahun 2004. Malah, hoki juga antara wakil Malaysia yang konsisten bertanding di Sukan Olimpik kecuali di Rom 1960, Seoul 1988, Athens 2004 dan Beijing 2007.

Bertanding

Bola sepak Malaysia juga tidak sunyi daripada bertanding di Sukan Olimpik apabila dua kali layak ke temasya berprestij itu iaitu pada 1972 di Munich dan 1980 di Moscow tetapi sayangnya kita tidak mengambil bahagian gara-gara pendirian politik negara pada ketika itu.

Acara badminton mula diperkenalkan dalam Olimpik pada tahun 1992 di Barcelona dan sehingga kini sukan itu telah menyumbang satu pingat perak dan dua gangsa dalam sejarah Olimpik Malaysia.

Perak diperoleh menerusi gandingan beregu lelaki negara, Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock pada temasya Atlanta 1996 manakala gangsa daripada pasangan adik-beradik Razif dan Jalani Sidek di Barcelona 1992 serta Rashid Sidek dalam acara perseorangan di Olimpik Atlanta 1996.

Selain badminton, beberapa sukan lain juga mencatat pencapaian terbaik seperti menerusi bekas jaguh pecut negara, Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan dalam acara 200 meter di Tokyo 1968 dan Mexico 1972, Ishtiaq Mubarak dalam 110m lari berpagar (Mexico 1972).

Malaysia juga hampir memecah kebuntuan mencari pingat menerusi Alex Lim yang berjaya mara ke saingan separuh akhir 100m kuak lentang dan Josiah Ng dalam acara berbasikal melangkah ke peringkat akhir keirin.

Antara 1896 dan 2004, Malaysia telah menyertai sebanyak 18 daripada 28 sukan yang dipertandingkan.

Pada 8 Ogos ini, Sukan Olimpik muncul kembali dengan Beijing menjadi tuan rumah bertemakan One World One Dream dengan jangkaan seramai 10,000 hingga 12,000 atlet dan pegawai sukan terlibat di samping 4,000 hingga 5,000 petugas teknikal dan pengadil mengendalikan sukan terhebat era millenium ini.

Temasya yang akan berlangsung dari 8 hingga 24 Ogos itu akan turut melibatkan 6,000 hingga 8,000 wartawan media cetak dan elektronik dari seluruh dunia membuat liputan lebih tiga minggu itu.

Beijing memilih logo Sukan Olimpik 2008 yang dinamakan Beijing Menari yang mempunyai falsafah China yang dikaitkan dengan tubuh naga dan lambang jemputan China kepada seluruh dunia untuk menghayati budayanya.

Sebanyak 28 jenis sukan akan dipertandingkan di Beijing melibatkan 302 acara (165 lelaki, 127 wanita dan 10 terbuka/campuran). Jika sukan Wushu sebelum ini hanya sebagai acara pertunjukan tetapi kali ini ia menawarkan enam acara lelaki dan wanita tetapi pungutan pingatnya tidak akan dikira dalam jumlah keseluruhan pungutan pingat negara yang bertanding dan menghantar wakilnya untuk acara ini.

Pada temasya di Beijing, kontinjen negara seramai 33 atlet telah mengambil bahagian dalam 29 acara, meningkat berbanding Athens yang menyaksikan 26 atlet negara untuk 26 acara. Sekalung tahniah buat Dato Lee Chong Wei yang telah mengharumkan nama negara di arena sukan olimpik dengan memenangi pingat perak acara perseorangan badminton lelaki.

Nasib Thillainathan dibela

2009-11-09T18:48:00.001-08:00

Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin (kiri) bertanyakan sesuatu kepada A.I. Thillainathan di Sweet Garden, semalam.

IPOH - Apabila menyebut nama A.I. Thillainathan, pasti ramai yang terpinga-pinga dan tertanya-tanya siapakah gerangan individu berkenaan.

Bagaimanapun, bagi mengenang dan menghargai jasanya sebagai ahli sukan, adalah perlu untuk disenaraikan beberapa pencapaian hebatnya dalam mengharumkan nama Perak dan Malaysia.

Pertama sekali, lelaki yang kini berumur 83 tahun itu pernah mewakili Malaya dalam pertandingan hoki peringkat antarabangsa antara 1952 hingga 1956.

Selain hebat bermain hoki, beliau juga merupakan pemain ragbi bagi pasukan Perak mulai 1953 hingga 1958.

Tidak cukup dengan itu, Thillainathan juga menguasai sukan kriket apabila mewakili Utara Malaya dan Perak antara tahun 1947 hingga 1972.

Kehandalannya juga terserlah dalam sukan bola sepak sebagai pemain utama Perak selama lapan tahun iaitu mulai 1951 hingga 1959 malah pernah bermain badminton di peringkat negeri.

Senarai itu dilengkapi dengan kebolehannya dalam acara olahraga dengan mewakili negeri ini dalam acara lari berganti-ganti selama dua tahun iaitu pada 1947 hingga 1948.

Kehebatan lelaki ini menarik perhatian banyak pihak hingga terpilih sebagai penerima Anugerah Malayan School Colours.

Lebih membanggakan, beliau antara tujuh rakyat negara ini yang bertuah menyaksikan istiadat kemahkotaan Ratu Elizabeth di United Kingdom pada 1949.

Itu cerita zaman kegemilangan lampau Thillainathan. Kini beliau tidak segagah dulu apabila menderita penyakit kencing manis sejak empat tahun lalu.

Menyedari kesukaran yang dihadapi anak Perak serba boleh itu, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Belia dan Sukan, Zainol Fadzi Paharudin mengadakan lawatan mengejut bagi melihat sendiri keadaan Thillainathan di Sweet Garden di sini semalam.

''Saya fikir kita sangat bertuah kerana masih dapat bertemu dengan jaguh sukan serba boleh seperti Thillainathan. Bayangkan beliau amat cemerlang. Bukan setakat Perak malah mewakili Malaya. Kejayaannya itu memang sukar dibandingkan dengan mana-mana atlet," katanya. - UM

Sejarah tahun 1948 cetus semangat N. Sembilan

2009-11-05T18:18:00.001-08:00

JADI KEBANGGAAN... Skuad Negeri Sembilan yang berjaya menjuarai Piala HMS Malaya pada tahun 1948.

PADA 1948, Negeri Sembilan telah mengukir sejarah dalam sukan bola sepak tanah air apabila berjaya menjuarai Piala HMS Malaya (kini dikenali Piala Malaysia).

Bagaimanapun, generasi muda di Negeri Sembilan tidak berkesempatan mengenali wira-wira mereka yang berjaya menjulang piala berprestij itu.

Mujur, Persatuan India Negeri Sembilan menyimpan khazanah gambar bersejarah skuad Negeri Sembilan ketika itu untuk menyingkap kembali sejarah kegemilangan bola sepak negeri ini.

Naib Presidennya, Satwant Singh berkata, beliau berbangga kerana gambar kenangan pasukan Negeri Sembilan tahun 1948 masih tersimpan baik untuk dijadikan tatapan gene- rasi muda.

"Setiausaha Kehormat Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Sembilan (PBNS) pada waktu itu, M. Muthucumaru adalah individu yang bertanggungjawab menyimpan gambar tersebut sebagai simpanan persatuan ini.

"Memang sukar untuk mencari semula gambar ini dan detik bersejarah yang dirakam pada tahun 1948 perlu dikongsi bersama khususnya generasi muda kerana mereka tidak mengenali legenda bola sepak terdahulu," kata Satwant.

Beliau berharap gambar tersebut bukan sahaja dapat mengimbau nostalgia lalu tetapi meniup semangat skuad dan penyokong Negeri Sembilan menjelang pertemuan akhir menen- tang Kelantan esok.

"Saya yakin penantian selama 61 tahun untuk menjulang semula piala berprestij itu dapat direalisasikan sekiranya pemain dapat menunjukkan semangat juang yang tinggi," jelasnya. KOSMO

Yahya Jusoh menderita lumpuh

2009-10-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

KERAJAAN Negeri Terengganu akan membiayai segala perbelanjaan rawatan bekas pemain bola sepak negeri dan kebangsaan, Yahya Jusoh yang sedang menderita akibat penyakit lumpuh.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Belia dan Sukan negeri, Datuk Rahin Mohd. Said berkata, kerajaan negeri akan berbincang dengan Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet untuk menanggung kos rawatan yang ditanggung Yahya nanti.

"Tindakan kerajaan itu sejajar dengan khidmat bakti dan sumbangan Yahya dalam sukan bola sepak baik pada peringkat negeri mahupun kebangsaan," katanya selepas melawat Yahya di Permin Jaya, Kuala Tereng- ganu semalam.

Pengerusi Eksekutif Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet, Datuk Paduka Dr. Mumtaz Jaafar dan bekas pemain bola sepak kebangsaan, Datuk Soh Chin Aun turut mengunjungi Yahya semalam.

PENGERUSI Eksekutif Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan, Datuk Paduka Dr. Mumtaz Jaafar (kiri) dan bekas pemain bola sepak negara, Datuk Soh Chin Aun (dua dari kiri) melihat keadaan Yahya ketika mengadakan lawatan ke rumah bekas pemain bola sepak itu di Taman Permint Jaya, Chendering, Kuala Terengganu semalam.

Yahya, 57, merupakan pemain seangkatan Chin Aun dan Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari, diserang penyakit lumpuh berikutan sakit tulang leher sejak dua minggu lepas.

Rahin berkata, kerajaan negeri memberi pengiktirafan sewajarnya kepada Yahya termasuk membantu empat orang anaknya jika perlu.

Beliau berkata, kerajaan negeri juga bersetuju memberi sumba- ngan RM10,000 kepada Yahya, yang akan disampaikan Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Said dengan segera.

Sementara itu, Mumtaz berkata, Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet akan membawa Yahya ke Kuala Lumpur dalam masa terdekat untuk menjalani pemeriksaan pakar mengenai penyakit yang dihidapinya.

Beliau berkata, semua kos untuk rawatan Yahya nanti akan ditanggung sepenuhnya oleh yayasan.

"Kami dapat tahu Yahya dalam keadaan tidak sihat, dan hari ini (semalam) kami datang untuk melihat dan memberi sokongan semangat kepada beliau," katanya.

YAHYA (duduk kiri) ketika mewakili skuad negara pada era 70-an.

Ketika zaman kegemilangannya pada era 70-an dulu, Yahya yang bermain pada posisi bek kanan, dianggap sebagai 'kereta kebal' skuad kebangsaan.

Dia memiliki keistimewaan melakukan 'overlapping' untuk membantu jentera serangan.

State Government To Assist Yahya With His Medical Expenses

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government will finance all the medical expenses of former state and national football player Yahya Jusoh who is battling with a mysterious illness.

Chairman of the state youth and sport committee Datuk Rahin Mohd Said said the state government would have a discussion with the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) with regard to Yahya's medical expenses.

"The effort by the government is in line with his services and contributions in football, be it at the state level or at national level," he told reporters after visiting Yahya in Permin Jaya here, Tuesday.

He said the state government had agreed to give RM10,000 to Yahya and it would be handed over by Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, soon.

Yahya, 57, who had played with former greats like Datuk Soh Chin Aun and Mokhtar Dahari, is battling a mysterious disease that has since paralyzed his lower limbs.

-- BERNAMA

FIBA Hall of Fame

2009-10-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

MHF President - Tengku Abdullah visits OCM Sports Museum & Hall of Fame.

2009-10-09T00:44:00.000-07:00

Gymnast - Nadia Comaneci - First perfect ten

2009-10-08T00:42:00.000-07:00

Early promise

Nadia Comaneci took up the sport of gymnastics aged six, becoming one of the first students at a school founded by coach Béla Károlyi. In 1975, 13-year-old Comaneci won gold in every event at the European Championships except the floor exercise.

Perfection

A year later in Montreal, she became the first gymnast in Olympic history to be awarded the perfect score of 10.0 for her performance on the uneven bars. She went on to record the perfect 10.0 six more times and became the youngest all-around Olympic gold medallist ever.

More Olympic success

Comaneci’s career over the next four years was slightly less spectacular, judged against her own high standards. At the 1980 Olympic Games, she won her fourth and fifth golds but finished second in the all-around competition behind Yelena Davydova. Comaneci retired a year later, leaving her with a career haul of nine Olympic medals.

Retirement

After her retirement, Comaneci was rarely allowed to travel outside her country. She defected to the United States in 1989. She has since married 1984 Olympic gold medallist Bart Conner, a gymnast she first met in the 1970s.

2009-10-06T19:46:00.001-07:00

Olympic & Politics

Zaiton Othman

2009-10-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Biography for Zaiton Othman

First Name: Zaiton

Last Name: Othman

Title: Psychologist

Organization: National Sports Council

Country: Malaysia

Date of Birth: 03/05/1959

Place of Birth: Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang

Spouses:Rosli Miskam (current)

Education:

Primary

Paya Keladi National Primary School, Pulau Pinang. 1967-1972

Secondary

St. George Girls School, (2nd Grade) Pulau Pinang. 1973-1977 M.C.E.
Tertiary
Specialist Teachers Training Institute, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. 1978-1980
Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor. 1983-1987 B.Physical
San Diego State University, United States. (offered a scholarship by the National Sports Council) 1990-1992 M.Physical

CV:

1975 Attended the then Seap Games (now SEA GAMES). The beginning of her sports career.
Made her debut at the Asean Youth Athletic Tournament.
Won six gold medal at the St. Georges Sport Events.
Long Jump Gold medallist, new records for 200m (26.7sec) and 400m (59.3 sec) in the Penang School Sport Council. (MSSPP)
Gold medal for 4 x 400 at the Malaysian School Sports event. (MSSM)
Finished 4th placing at the 400m SEA Games.
1977 Attached to the National Electric Board (NEB).
1978 Won gold medal in the Asian Games 4 x 400 event.
1979 Won 4 x 400m gold medal at the SEA Games.
1980 Teacher, Union High School, Pulau Pinang.
Coach, Penang School Sport Council (MSSPP).
1981 Participated the Sea Games in Manila. Won three gold and a silver. (Won the Heptathlon gold medal (5338pts), 4 x 400m, 4 x 100m gold, high jump silver and long jump bronze).
1981 Crowned the "Heptathlon Queen" in the Sea Games.
1982 4th placing in the Asian Games Heptathlon.
1983 Gold medal in the SEA Games Heptathlon events (5326 pts).
1983 Crowned the "Heptathlon Queen", in the Sea Games.
1983-1987 Studying at the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Zaiton represented the University on many occasions both nationally and internationally.
1984 Won gold medal in Asean Cup in Manila, Philippines.
1985 Withdraw from the 1985 Bangkok Sea Games to concentrate on her studies.
Aug 1985 Participated in the World University Games in Kobe, Japan. (The only woman in the Malaysian Contingent)
1987 Continued teaching at the Union High School, Pulau Pinang.
1988 Won the gold medal in the Malaysian Championship.
Sep 1988 Coach, 2nd Asian Junior Championship, Singapore.
Dec 1988 Three-month trainning in Perth, Australia for the 1989 Sea Games.
1989 Won the heptathlon gold medal for the third time in the Sea Games in Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. (Zaiton then announced her retirement from sports)
Sep 1989 Sports Development Officer, National Sports Council.
Mar 1990 Left for the United States to further studies in sports psychology.
1992 Psychologist, National Sports Institute (NSI).
1996 Represented the country at the Asian Veterans Championship in Seoul, where she won gold medals in the 4x100m, javelin and silver medal in long jump.
2001 At the World Veteran meet in Sydney Australia, missed out on a podium finish when she emerged fourth in the javelin.
Sep 22-29, 2005 Appointed as the Chef de Mission for the Malaysian contingent to the 4th Women's Islamic Games.

Member, Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (AAU) junior squad committee.
2006 Deputy chairman, Sports Goodwill Ambassadors (SGA)

Awards: 1981 Penang Sportwoman of the Year.
1981 P.J.M. Pingat Jasa Masyarakat, Pulau Pinang.
1982 Penang Sportwoman of the Year.
1982 National Sportswoman of the Year.
1983 Penang Sportswoman of the Year.
Jun 1983 A.M.N. Ahli Mangku Negara, Agong.
1984 Female Sport Personality by Malay Mail Sports Poll '93.
1987 Chancellor's Gold Medal Universiti Pertanian Malaysia.
Nov 2001 Anugerah Alumni Jasamu Dikenang by Universiti Putra Malaysia

Women athletes have come a long way since the trail-blazing days of M. Rajamani, Rosalind Singha Ang and Zaiton Othman. So meteoric has been their that these stalwarts believe that it is only a matter of time before a woman wins Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal.

WHEN Malaysia first made their appearance in the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956 – a year before the Independence Day, there was only one rose among the thorns in the 33-member squad – Annie Choong in athletics.

But over the last 50 years, Malaysian women have blossomed into a respected force in local and international sports.

Women’s participation in major Games has also increased. More than that, the women athletes are now major medal winners in tournaments.

High-flying days: Zaiton Othman used to win medal after medal in the heptathlon event.

Former national stars – Zaiton Othman and Rosalind Singha Ang – who were among the trailblazers, said they hoped to see better things ahead for the Malaysian women athletes.

Former heptathlon great Zaiton says she would not be surprised if the first Malaysian Olympic gold medallist is a woman.

“Malaysian women athletes are making waves in international stage. We already have several stars in our ranks,” said Zaiton.

“The good news is that there is so much room for women to improve as far as sports is concerned. Their true potential has not been tapped yet,” said Zaiton.

Zaiton Othman

“If we can continue to progress, I will not be surprised to see women not only taking part in the Olympics but even winning medals.”

Currently, only men have won medals at the Olympic Games – and all have been badminton players.

Women, however, produced the country’s first two world champions.

Nicol David showed she is a dominant force in squash when she won the world title twice (2005-2006) while Esther Cheah won it in 2005. Unfortunately, both squash and bowling are not Olympic sports.

But there are others who have made Malaysia proud either at the world or Asian level. They are the likes of bowler Shalin Zulkifli, pole vaulter Roslinda Samsu and shuttler Wong Mew Choo.

There have been other past greats too besides Zaiton and Rosalind. They are athletes M. Rajamani, who became the first woman Asian Games gold medallist in 1966, G. Shanti, Josephine Mary, Marina Chin, Mumtaz Jaafar; shuttlers Sylvia Ng, Cecilia Tan, shooter Nurul Hudda Baharin; and swimmer Nurul Huda Abdullah.

Zaiton however, hoped that women would continue to scale greater heights.

“Those days, we had our challenges too. I remember we had to stay at this police barrack as part of our centralised training for the 1981 SEA Games. The roof was made of asbestos and we were drenched in our own sweat. It was not comfortable but, through the hardships, we went on to win glory for the country,” she said.

“If we had had Sports Science input those days, our performances would probably have been better.

Shuttle queen: Rosalind Singha Ang looking at newspaper cuttings of her exploits years ago.

“Times have changed. Now the focus on men and women is equal. But like the men, the women athletes are pressured into focusing only on academics. The facilities and the monetary rewards are better and some athletes are getting plain lazy.”

Another significant change that Zaiton noted was the participation of women in sports administration. There are many women leaders in sports and that is a major boost for women, says Zaiton, who will be the deputy chef-de-mission for the Korat SEA Games in December.

Unlike Zaiton, the 1965 Malaysian Open women’s singles badminton champion Rosalind, who is in her 60s, has been out of touch with sports since venturing into her own business in 1979.

Strangely though, Rosalind's first medal – a silver – did not come from badminton, She won it in a cycling event held during the Merdeka Celebration in Penang in 1957.

Despite being out of sports, Rosalind hopes to see Malaysian women making it big.

“I hear a lot about Nicol. I think she has done a lot and she deserves to be commended. But I do hear about other women champions. But one day they win and they lose another day. This is something to look into,” said the Kedahan.

“During my career, we had top athletes like Rajamani and Marina. Although the focus was more on men at that time, these athletes did not let it get to them.”

She also urged women athletes to be mentally strong.

Track blazer: Rajamani believes that support from parents is vital if we are to see the emergence of world class athletes from Malaysia.

“Women can be easily intimidated. I remember the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok. I was a greenhorn and I partnered Teh Kew San in the mixed doubles. But we did well to reach the final. We were up against the Malaysian giants Eddy Choong-Tan Gaik Bee,” recalled Rosalind.

“I took the first serve but it was tapped with such ferocity by Eddy that the shuttle hit my head. I was shaken. But my partner Kew San told me to not fall for the intimidation.

“He told me I was good and to believe in myself. We won the gold – it was my first gold in Asiad.”

Rajamani too felt that the women had come a long way as far as sports is concerned, thanks to the support from the government.

But she feels that more work needs to be done.

Rajamani, who used to treasure her one-hour training session in her busy schedule as a teacher, said that athletes must take pride in representing the country.

“The athletes now are lucky indeed. They enjoy better facilities and good incentives but, unfortunately, talents are scarce. They are a pampered lot too. This is really sad,” said Rajamani, who represented the country at the 1964 Olympic Games.

Rajamani, who took up coaching after retirement and saw the emergence of Marina Chin under her guidance, however, was quick to add that parental support was crucial.

Zaiton Othman merupakan bekas olahragawati jaguh Heptathlon Malaysia. Beliau merupakan pemegang rekod kebangsaan di dalam acara heptathlon.

Zaiton for IOC Women and Sport Trophy 2010

As a recognition for her contributions towards sports, Zaiton Othman (picture) has been nominated for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Women and Sport Trophy 2010 award.

The Women and Sport Committee of Olympic Council of Malaysia selected Zaiton as Malaysia's candidate for the prestigious award. The selection was endorsed by OCM President, Tunku Imran ibni Almarhum Tuanku Jaafar recently.

The IOC Women and Sport Trophies are awarded annually to promote the advancement of women in sport. The world body wants to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions made to develop, encourage and strengthen the participation of women and girls at all levels in the sports world.

Six trophies are awarded - one winner at world level and one each to Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Ocenia. Some would be given Diplomas. In 2008, Malaysia's nominee Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was the international winner.

Zaiton, 50, who is the Director of Athletes Welfare at National Sports Council, has been an athlete and official for more than two decades.

She was know as the "Iron Lady" of Malaysian sports because of her domination ini the gruelling heptathlon event. Zaiton won a total of 10 gold medals at SEA Games and Asian Veterans Meets and a few silver and bronzes at Asian Games and Asian Track and Field meets from 1979- 1989.

Upon retirement from competitive sport, Zaiton, a graduate in Physical Education, did her post graduate studies in Sports Psychology and became a Sports Officer with the NSC so that she could devote full time to guiding, counselling and motivating women to pursue excellence as athletes, coaches and leaders.

Marriage and motherhood has not diminished Zaiton's passion and commitment to sports and she remain an inspiring role model for not only elit athletes, but for all youths, men and women.

Her contributiosn towards women and sports include talent identification of girls all over the country (5-11 years of age), conducting camps, seminars and workshops for girls in schools and adult athletes.

Zaiton also is actively involved in various organizations, including OCM's Women and Sport Committe headed by its Vice President, Low Beng Choo.

Bekas penjaga gol hoki negara meninggal dunia

2009-10-01T18:41:00.001-07:00

Oleh Hasnira Hassan
niera@nstp.com.my

BEKAS penjaga gol hoki negara era 70-an, Hanapiah Ghani meninggal dunia, pagi semalam selepas menghidap kanser hati.

Allahyarham, 58, dari Kampung Baru menghembuskan nafas terakhir kira-kira jam 8 pagi selepas dikejarkan ke Hospital Kuala Lumpur oleh rakan baiknya. Jenazah dikebumikan di Tanah Perkuburan Jalan Ampang, selepas Asar, semalam.

Allahyarham yang pernah beraksi pada Sukan Seap 1973 - meninggalkan seorang balu, Jasiah Sanwan, 55, serta dua anak, Hezmen Sezly, 36, dan Norizan Jaslyna, 35.

"Kami memang nampak arwah uzur, tapi arwah merahsiakan penyakitnya selama ini," kata Hezmen.

Selepas menamatkan kerjaya dalam hoki pada 1975, Allahyarham bekerja sebagai pengawal keselamatan dengan khidmat terakhir di Istana Budaya dan berhenti kira-kira tiga hari sebelum Aidilfitri.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

2009-09-15T19:58:00.001-07:00

Story of the Malaysian Sports History...

Cycling - Historic moment

FATEHAH Mustapa created history as the first Malaysian woman to be crowned Asian champion on a day that saw Malaysia regain their dominance of the keirin in the Asian Cycling Championships at the Kuala Lumpur Velodrome.

Fatehah lakar sejarah berbasikal

‘Piala Thomas sejarah kita’

Usah lupa sejarah

Chong Wei reminds sceptics he’s still worth a crack at Olympic gold

Suryani is Malaysia’s first woman shooter to qualify for the Olympics

Kathirvale among eight inducted into OCM Hall of Fame

By Y.P. SIVAM metrospt@thestar.com.myPhotos by AZHAR MAHFOF

Tahniah! Datuk Santokh Singh

PM Hails Nicol David As Malaysia's Most Successful Sports Icon

Nicol wajar dijulang tokoh sukan

Aaliyah creates SEA Games history

In sports, a tougher road to fame

Building a successful sports career may mean spending many years abroad, an option which most of our budding athletes are reluctant to consider

Building a successful sports career may mean spending many years abroad, an option which most of our budding athletes are reluctant to consider

Hilang Sebutir Permata Sukan Memanah

Zulfadli pengganti Chong Wei

TPM ucap tahniah buat Nicol, jaguh badminton

Zulfadli, Nelson-Ee Yi pastikan kegemilangan

Zulfadli, Nelson-Ee Yi pastikan kegemilangan

Di puncak dunia!

Nicol tempa nama dalam Dewan Kemasyhuran WSF

Former MHF secretary Aryaduray dies at 86

Late Daud’s family gets compensation from Malaysian National Cycling Federation

20-Year-old Back Up Squad Bowler Dies Of Heart Failure

Hammering the elusive GOLD

R.I.P Ghenda Singh

Former Pahang star Azam is dead

Former National Footballer Seeks Help To Pay Medical Bills

Badminton legend David dies

Sunday September 11, 2011

Negri mourns the demise of two internationals

Dua gol Supermokh pernah benam Arsenal

Bakri Ibni bintang yang dilupakan

Nordin bermula, berakhir di Manila

Ishtiaq pernah jadi kebanggaan Asia

Prof. Dr. Helmut Digel (GER)

Doa Shabery Buat Malek Noor

Bicara Lagenda - Marina Chin

Suka duka warnai karier Rosman

Mumtaz hidup untuk berkhidmat...

Perginya sebutir permata lumba basikal negara

Bekas Jurulatih Basikal Kebangsaan Daud Ibrahim Maut Dalam Kemalangan

Malaysian Contingent @ Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games

Datuk Thanapalan Paul Murugasu passed away Monday morning at the Universiti Hospital

Abdullah attends premiere of Disney on Ice

Yahya Jusoh semakin pulih

Obituary: Sabah great dies

Malaysia kehilangan legenda bola sepak

Student athletes make parents and teachers proud

By Y.P. SIVAM metrospt@thestar.com.myPhotos by CHUA KOK HWA

James Selvaraj Appointed BAM High Performance Director

“Legenda Sukan Malaysia”

Siaran waktu di Astro Arena (Saluran 801)Dato'Soh Chin Aun (19 Ogos 2010, 8.30 mlm)Dato'Yogeswaran a/l Rajaratnam (22 Ogos 2010,8:30 mlm)Dato' Misbun Sidek (6 September 2010,9:00 mlm)Tan Sri M Jegathesan (8 September 2010,9:00 mlm)

Kenali Legend : Azizul Abu Haniffah

Kenali Legend : Hassan Sani

Jom Kenali Legend : R. Arumugam

The Ancient Olympics

Visit of Undergraduate Students of Yogyakarta State University to OCM

Darshan Singh dipilih Naib Presiden ISF

Obituary: Teik Hock leaves Thomas Cup legacy

Commonwealth gold medallist Ang Li Peng obtains law degree

By WONG PEK MEI pekmei@thestar.com.my

Ghani kendali program klinik bola sepak YAKEB

Perfect role model

Fifty years ago, on Merdeka Day, he was inspired to make it big in sports. Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan has scaled great heights in athletics, winning plenty of plaudits and accolades. His passion for sports has not waned.

Largest Single Collection Of Olympic Torches In Singapore for Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

World Cup Football Activities at the Olympic Sports Hotel

Recognise our past greats like Super Mokh

Sports-themed hotel gets World Cup makeover

The Straits Times Thomas Cup Souvenir

Visit of participants of TAFISA Certified Leadership Course in Sport for All to the OCM Museum and Hall of Fame

Penghormatan buat Mokhtar Dahari

Samaranch dies

Malek Noor bergelar Datuk

Alwi Ahmad meninggal dunia

King Ghaz Reigned Over Golden Age In Sports

Obituary: Ghazali's legacy remembered

By Y.P. SIVAM
metrospt@thestar.com.my
Photos by AZHAR MAHFOF

By Y.P. SIVAM
metrospt@thestar.com.my
Photos by CHUA KOK HWA

Siaran waktu di Astro Arena (Saluran 801)

Dato'Soh Chin Aun (19 Ogos 2010, 8.30 mlm)
Dato'Yogeswaran a/l Rajaratnam (22 Ogos 2010,8:30 mlm)
Dato' Misbun Sidek (6 September 2010,9:00 mlm)
Tan Sri M Jegathesan (8 September 2010,9:00 mlm)

By WONG PEK MEI
pekmei@thestar.com.my