Ex-journalists organise event to honour icons who brought sporting glory to nation

(From left) Vijayanathan, George, Yogeswaran and Paramalingam.

FOUR former journalists have not forgotten the sports icons who brought glory to the nation.
The foursome — George Das, R. Velu, Fauzi Omar and Lazarus Rokk — organised a get together, Sports Flame, to honour the sportsmen and sportswomen who were household names in 1960s and 1970s.

The event, George said, was to remember the legendary sports personalities and honour them.
“Most of them have been left in the shadows of an industry that is continously aiming to produce the next generation of successful athletes. But we felt that their contributions and sacrifices should be remembered. Space and time have elapsed but we are hoping to immortalise these memories in our archives,’’ said George, the mentor of the quartet.

Jegathesan (left) and Datuk Nashatar Singh.

 

About 120 sports personalities and sports writers gathered in Kuala Lumpur to reminisce the golden era of Malaysian sports. The sports icons were from five sports — football, badminton, athletics, hockey and cycling.

Former national football midfielder Wong Choon Wah, who passed away on Jan 31, was one of the recipents of the Sports Flame.

He was in his usual jovial manner greeting all his compatriots.
Datuk Peter Velappan, who had served in Football Association of Malaysia as well as FIFA, was also present to meet his old friends.

“It is good to see them after a long time.’’ said Peter.

N.A. Baskaran (right) greeting Zaiton Othman (left) and V. Angamah.

 

Former hockey international C. Paramalingam said he was pleased to be invited for such a meaningful event.

“All the sports personalities had a good relationship with the journalists. I think they were pleased to be part of this event. Meeting the greats from other sports is also good as we can recall the old days when we used to be in the Malaysian contingent for the SEA Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games,’’ said Paramalingam.

Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, whose national 200m record still stands, shared his experience on taking part in the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, while former Malaysian Hockey Federation secretary and FIH umpire Datuk G. Vijayanathan and Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union secretary N. A. Baskaran were also present.

George said their group was not an organisation or corporation flushed with cash to reward the honourable men and women.

(From left) M. Kuppan, Fauzi, N. Thanabalan and the late Choon Wah.

 

“What we have for them is a simple momento acknowledging their respective contributions to the nation and the Malaysian sporting scene. This is our little but most heartfelt way of saying that we remember them for their sacrifices and recognise their roles in building the nation. Most importantly, we are proud of them,’’ said George.

Former national hurdler Ishtiaq Mubarak’s wife R. Selvarani was present with her two daughters — Shaniz and Shakira — and thanked the organisers for honouring her late husband.

Several sports icons, due to other commitments, were not able to attend the programme but George said they would be visiting the athletes to present the momento.
George said they were keen to make the event an annual affair.


THE LEGENDS
Athletics: Annie Chong, M. Jegathesan, M. Rajamani, Nashatar Singh, T. Krishnan, Asir Victor, Karu Selvaratnam, R. Subramaniam, A.Vaithilingam.
Football: Paul Mony Samuel, Peter Velappan, George Joseph, M. Chandran, Syed Ahmad, Shaharuddin Abdullah, Namat Abdullah, Wong Choon Wah, N. Thanabalan, M. Kuppan, M. Karathu, Clement Soosay, Chow Chee Keong.
Hockey: Freddy Vias, Mike Shepherdson, Aminulah Karim, R. Yogeswaran, C. Paramalingam, M. Doraisamy, Lawrence Van Huizen, G. Vijayanathan, K. Anandarajah.


Badminton: Teh Kew San, Tan Yee Khan, Ng Boon Bee, Yew Cheng Hoe, Tan Aik Huang, Tan Aik Mong


Cycling: Shaharudin Jaffar, Ng Joo Pong, N.A. Rosli.

10 Things you didn't know about Pandelela

Pandelela Rinong may have won a lot of competitions, but deep down she's just a regular girl at heart.

A BRONZE medal in the 10m platform at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London catapulted her to superstardom in Malaysia. Yet, even with her growing popularity as the poster child of Malaysian sports, Pandelela Rinong has managed to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground.
Despite the medals and trophies she has won, deep down the 20-year-old is just a regular girl who wants to travel the world and loves all things K-pop.
Want to know her better?

Here are 10 things you might not know about Malaysia's dive queen:

1. I am Pandelela
She says her name “Pande” is similar to the Malay word “padai” (smart). But, her diving coach and friends call her Lela. And mum has a special nickname for her – Nong.

2. No diving? She’d be a gymnast!
“I love watching gymnastics, so if I wasn’t diving, I’d love to have taken up either artistic or rhythmic gymnastics, possibly perform a floor or ribbon routine. I love the colourful ribbon,” shares Pandelela.

3. The power of prayer
Every athlete has their own way to prepare for that all important match/competition. This is how Pandelela prepares: “My special routine is to call or text my family to tell them that I’m going to compete and we pray together.”

4. Training
You might think this top athlete loves training, and you would be wrong. “I don’t enjoy my everyday training ... in fact I hate it (laughs). I think the plus point of that is that I get to chat and gossip with my team-mates. But I like doing gym work. And I much prefer the training sessions right before a competition. And if I’m not training, it’s sambal udang petai, chicken wings and carrot milk for me ... and seafood.”

Pandelela Rinong loves gym work more than actual training.

 

5. Guilty pleasures
Just like a lot of Malaysians her age, Pandelela likes K-pop.
“I like to dance to catchy K-pop songs and learn their dance moves. I have to admit I’m not good at singing but I still sing along to their songs. But it’s quite embarrassing to show this side of me to people other than my friends,” she admits

6. Budding traveller
“I’d love to travel and see the world. I do get to visit countries when I compete but if I have a competition to focus on, I can’t really enjoy the experience. I’d love to go to Seoul, South Korea, because I want to see where my K-pop idols Bing Bang live and see them in concert. Next on the list is Japan … simply to see cosplay events and the sakura trees,” she says.

7. I <3 strong="" totoro="">
Pandelela is a HUGE Totoro fan. Totoro is a character from the Japanese anime My Neighbor Totoro.

“I love all things Totoro. Basically, I buy anything that is associated with Totoro. I also collect Totoro toys and dolls. I have everything from Totoro bed sheets, bags, shirts, hat and stuffed toys!”

Pandelela Rinong is a big fan of Tororo - can you tell?

 

8. Biggest boo-boo
She is not perfect and not embarrassed to admit it either.
“It was a in 2010 during the diving World Series in Mexico. I was too focused and took the wrong position for the dive – it was different from the one that was called by the announcer. Then the whistle blew just before my coach called my name and I realised I was in the wrong position. I quickly changed my position and did the correct dive. But I was given zero points for the dive because once the whistle sounds, everyone should remain silent.”

9. Higher and higher
“High diving has a higher platform which is more challenging. I would like to challenge myself with that, but Malaysia does not have a high diving plaform yet. If I have the chance to travel overseas and try it, I surely will.”

10. Tennis idol
Who would she like to meet at the Laureus Awards in KL on March 26?
“(Rafael) Nadal, please ... (laughs). I admire his work ethic, he’s so hardworking! And I always see him play on ESPN.”

Joe Marcose, jasamu sentiasa berada dalam ingatan

DARI khidmat pesanan ringkas (SMS) sehinggalah ke Whatsapp dan Facebook, semuanya berlegar tentang khabar mengejutkan, "bekas Pengarang Sukan Utusan Malaysia, Joseph Antony Marcose (gambar) meninggal dunia pagi ini..."

Agak tersentak juga menerima khabar sedih itu apalagi pernah terdetik di hati ini untuk bertemu bekas boss yang banyak mencurahkan ilmu serta pengalamannya selaku wartawan hebat dalam dunia penulisan dan ulasan sukan.

Lebih dikenali dengan nama penanya, Joe Marcose, namanya terlalu sinonim di halaman sukan Utusan Malaysia.

Joe yang saya kenal, seorang yang lembut budi bicaranya, tidak lokek dengan pengalaman yang dimiliki selain sentiasa mahu berkongsi segala ilmu tentang penulisan sukan.

Bahkan sepanjang menjawat jawatannya itu, Joe Marcose yang terkenal dengan ‘muka senyumnya’ tidak pernah meninggikan suara ketika menegur atau mengarah anak-anak buahnya di meja sukan.
Menerusi pengamatan saya, Joe Marcose memiliki aura yang begitu hebat dalam arena sukan tempatan. Seingat saya, ketika mula-mula menyertai meja Sukan Utusan pada 1984, terasa juga diri ini dibayanginya.

Bayangkan hampir setiap kali menghadiri sidang akhbar, nama Joe akan ditanya terlebih dahulu sama ada oleh rakan media bahkan pegawai sukan terlibat dengan majlis berkenaan.

Pada 25 Januari lalu, saya memasang impian untuk bertemu Joe Marcose dalam satu majlis reunion Sports Fame di Hotel Concorde, Kuala Lumpur. Ia satu majlis menghimpunkan bekas editor sukan akhbar-akhbar tempatan selain legenda dan bekas personaliti sukan negara.

Malang dan terkilan sebab kelibat orang yang dicari tidak kelihatan walaupun ia tahun kedua saya hadir ke majlis itu.

Berasal dari Batu Pahat, Johor, Joe Marcose menyertai Utusan Melayu pada 1 Jun 1982 untuk menjadi pemberita di beberapa unit sebelum diserap sebagai pemberita sukan, penolong pengarang berita sukan dan memilih untuk berhenti pada 1 November 2000 ketika menjawat jawatan Pengarang Sukan.

Saya rasa begitu kehilangan kerana ketiadaannya ketika itu membuat saya teraba-raba untuk mencari tempat membuat rujukan apatah lagi selepas dilantik menjawat jawatan Pengarang Sukan.

Gaya penulisannya yang begitu bersahaja membuat saya tertarik dan satu daripada artikelnya yang melekat di kepala saya pada tahun 1989 ialah temubualnya dengan jurulatih Kelantan, Mohamad Che Su dengan tajuk, ‘Bola sepak bukan permainan orang perempuan’.

Temubual itu diadakan khas sebagai menjawab kemarahan peminat sukan bola sepak ketika itu dengan corak permainan Kelantan yang dianggap robust atau kasar.

Sepanjang menjadi Pengarang Sukan di Utusan, Joe Marcose pernah membuat liputan dari Sukan SEA, Komanwel sehinggalah ke Sukan Asia.

Dan satu perkara yang tidak dapat saya lupakan apabila Joe meminta saya membuat kajian tentang trend pembaca ketika itu sambil berkata: "Sukan sudah banyak audien, kita perlu tambah muka sukan..."

Ternyata idea dan cadangannya berhasil. Halaman sukan akhbar Utusan Malaysia bertambah daripada hanya dua muka surat kepada lima.

Joe Marcose juga pernah menjadi antara wakil media Malaysia dan Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM) yang mengikuti satu lawatan ke ibu pejabat Persekutuan Persatuan Bola Sepak Antarabangsa (FIFA) di Zurich, Switzerland dengan kemuncak kariernya meraih anugerah Penulisan Berita Sukan Terbaik anjuran Institut Akhbar Malaysia (MPI).

Mendiang, yang merupakan Ke-tua Jabatan Media FAM dan pernah menjadi pegawai media Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM) meninggal dunia akibat kanser pada awal pagi semalam. Beliau pernah menjalani pembedahan membuang ketumbuhan di otak pada 2012.

Kepada sahabat dan rakan-rakan yang mahu memberi penghormatan terakhir kepada Joe boleh hadir di Gereja Grace, 6 Jalan Persiaran Petaling, Seksyen 28, Taman Alam Megah, Shah Alam pada pukul 10 pagi ini.

Sesungguhnya, kita kehilangan seorang teman, rakan seperjuangan dan pejuang sukan yang komited dan dedikasi.

Selamat tinggal Joe Marcose.

Soccer legend Wong Choon Wah dies at 66

FORMER national player and Olympian Wong Choon Wah died early this morning after being rushed to hospital due to breathing difficulties.

He was 66.

Wong was one of the earliest Malaysian footballers to blaze the professional trail when he played for Hong Kong's South China Athletic Association from 1972 to 1974.

He was also fixture of the national team in the 1970s and played all three of Malaysia's matches at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Wong was described by his former Selangor and national teammate Datuk Soh Chin Aun as one of the best midfielders produced by the country.

"I knew him very well, he was like a brother to me," said Soh today of Wong, who also helped Malaysia win the Merdeka Tournament in 1973 and 1974.

"He was a friend to everybody and one of the finest midfielders we ever had.

"We played together for Selangor and the national team and he also spent three years in Hong Kong as a professional."

Aside for Soh, Wong also played in the company of former greats like Datuk M. Chandran, Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Mokhtar Dahari and Tan Sri Ghani Minhat.

He made his Malaysia Cup debut for Selangor in 1968 after impressing with the Selangor Chinese Recreatioin Club and was rather a luck charm for them.

Selangor never lost a Malaysia Cup final when Wong was in the team, winning in 1968, 1969, 1971, 1975 and 1976.

Wong memorably scored two goals in an 8-1 rout of Penang in his first final appearance in 1968.

By Devinder Singh - NST

Jega back to Myanmar – where it all began

 

Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan is returning to Myanmar as the medical and doping advisor.

KUALA LUMPUR: It will be a nostalgic trip when the former fastest man in Asia – Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan heads to Myanmar for the 23rd SEA Games next month.

It was at this same place 52 years ago that the former sprinter Jegathesan made his first international breakthrough at the 1961 SEAP Games in Yangon. He went on a gold medal frenzy – bursting the tape in the 200m, 400m, 4x400m.

After making his presence felt in Yangon, there was no stopping Jegathesan as he went on to make a name for himself and bring glory to the country for over a decade and rightfully earning the nickname “the flying doctor”.

Jegathesan, a doctor by profession, has contributed significantly to Malaysian sports in various capacities.

He has been invited by Myanmar to assume the role of medical and doping advisor.
“I won my first ever international gold medal in my athletics career at the SEAP Games in Yangon. I was 17 years old then. From there, my career in athletics took flight. It will indeed be a nostalgic trip to Myanmar,” said a sprightly Jegathesan, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Nov 2.

“There were just so many spectators for athletics then. Those days, they did not have television so they came in hordes to watch the action in Yangon. The atmosphere was very lively.”

“Then, I was studying in Singapore but represented Malaysia in the SEAP Games. The following year, I went on to win my first Asian Games gold medal. So, Myanmar will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Jegathesan won the 1962 Bangkok Asian Games gold medal – breaking the Games record in 200m with a time 21.3s

He featured in three Olympic Games – in Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964) and Mexico (1968). In Mexico, he made it to the 200m semifinals – posting a blistering time of 20.92s, which still stands as the country’s best timing.

“I still remember the camaraderie we had among the athletics team during that SEAP Games. We had a great bunch like Asir Victor, Nashatar Singh, Rajalingam and Kamaruddin Maidin, to mention a few. It was indeed the beginning of a new era for athletics in the 1960s.

“Those days, Malaysia ruled in sports like athletics, hockey and football, which require athletes to train hard in the scorching heat. They were made of sterner stuff. Now, the trend has changed ... we tend to dominate in indoor sports – like badminton, squash and bowling.

When asked what would be his advice to the current batch of athletes gearing up for Myanmar, he declined, saying that enough had been said.

“It is best that old timers like me keep quiet for now,” said Jegathesan.

His curt answer is understandable. So much of effort, guidance and advice had been given to motivate, empower and lift the standard of the current crop of athletes but the outcome on the track and field has been far from satisfactory.

At the last SEA Games in Indonesia two years ago, Malaysia won six gold medals but the men’s 4x400m relay gold was stripped as relay runner Yunus Lasaleh had tested positive for a banned substance.

Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) have set a five-gold medal target in Myanmar. Whether Malaysia will see the birth of another star in Myanmar, just as it did five decades ago, remains to be seen.

15 new names in Hall of Fame

THE Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Hall of Fame welcomed 15 new inductees at its annual dinner and Awards Night in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Among them are wushu exponent Chai Fong Ying, hockey player Lawrence Van Huizen and taekwondo exponents M. Vasugi and R. Dhanaraj.

Fong Ying is a former two-time Asian Games and three-time World Championship gold medallist.
An extensive career in hockey saw Van Huizen being part of the 1964 Olympics squad and playing a pivotal role when Malaysia took the bronze medal at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta.

Vasugi is best remembered for clinching bronze at the 1988 Seoul Olympics when taekwondo was a demonstration sport, and winning gold at the 1989 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games. She is also a former two-time Asian Championship bronze medallist.

Dhanaraj took bronze at the 1989 World Championships and also won gold at the Sea Games the same year. He is the current national coach, having assumed the position in 2005.

The 2013 International Olympic Committee Trophy went to the Royal Selangor Club (RSC) for its outstanding contribution to the promotion, development and practice of sports over the years.
The RSC has produced numerous national athletes in the past and consistently organises development programmes for youths in various sports.

The Jonah Jones Rugby Sevens, one of RSC's annual international sports events, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

OCM secretary general Datuk Sieh Kok Chi said being inducted into the Hall of Fame is just reward for local personalities who have excelled in their sports, and sports officials of both sexes.
Kok Chi disclosed that the winners of the OCM men's and women's Olympian of the Year awards will only be announced in January as contenders will be judged on their performances at next month's Sea Games.

The other inductees are Aminullah @ Aman Karim (hockey), Lim Heng Check (swimming), Fong Seow Hor (swimming), Arulraj Michael (hockey), Daphne Boudville (hockey, athletics, football), Hector Durairatnam (cricket), Ahmad Mahmud (athletics, rugby), N. Thanabalan (football), Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (equestrian), Rosli Abdul Kadir (cycling, walking), Datuk Ow Soon Kooi (hockey).

Sports Ministry secretary general Datuk Jamil Salleh presents the inductees of the OCM Hall of Fame with their awards at their annual dinner at Wisma OCM in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Hasriyasyah Sabudin

Marina Chin honoured by OCM

 

Datuk Marina Chin receiving the Women and Sport award from OCM president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja'afar at OCM's Annual Dinner and Awards Night on Nov 21, 2013.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former track queen Datuk Marina Chin continues to hog the limelight even after leaving the athletics scene nearly three decades ago.

On Thursday, the 58-year-old Marina was recognised for her tireless contributions to Malaysian sport when she was accorded the main honour as recipient of the Women and Sport award at the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s (OCM) 21st Annual Dinner and Awards Night at the Tan Sri Hamzah Hall.
Marina, who is now the principal of the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), was picked as the winner by OCM’s Women and Sport committee for her significant and outstanding contributions in the promotion, development and advancement of women in sports.

During the 70s, she was known for her prowess in the 100m hurdles, which saw her winning a total seven gold medals in the SEA Games and also nailing the 1975 and 1976 National Sportswoman of the Year awards.

OCM’s Women and Sport committee chairman Datuk Low Beng Choo said that Marina had grown into an iconic role model for many and deserved the recognition.

“Marina is distinct because she keeps giving back to the country. She was a star in athletics and then she went into coaching and, now, she is empowering so many young athletes as the BJSS principal,” said Beng Choo, who is also the OCM vice-president.

“She has not stopped contributing to the country and has played a key role in sports development. She is indeed a role model for many women.

“I am proud that we have continued to give recognition to women in sports. This is our 11th year hosting this awards ceremony and I am truly grateful to OCM for their continuous support.
“We have seen huge contributions by women athletes in winning medals at major events and we will continue to recognise their tireless work at all levels in the promotion of women in sports.”
Besides Marina, a few other women were also honoured for their contributions.

Penang Squash Association vice-chairman Linda Geh Guat Yeow took home the Women and Sport Leadership award while Ee Hong, the director of the sports division in the Education Ministry, won the Women and Sport Grassroots Development award.

For her achievements as a female technical official (cycling commissioner) at the international level, Beatrice Alfred Lajawa was handed the Technical Achievement award.

The role of parents was also given prominence when Abdul Hadi Ahmad and his wife Kimberley Ann Gagnon were honoured with the OCM Partnership award for their guidance and support towards the success of their daughters – synchronised swimmer Katrina Ann and gymnast Farah Ann.
Meanwhile, OCM also inducted 15 former athletes from various sports into their Hall of Fame, including 84-year-old Aminullah @ Amin Karim, who played hockey in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and the 83-year-old Lawrence van Huizen, who represented the country in hockey at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and twice in the Asian Games in 1958 and 1962.


Award recipients

OCM Women and Sport: Datuk Marina Chin

OCM Women and Sport Leadership: Linda Geh Guat Yeow

OCM Women and Sport Grassroots Development: Ee Hong

OCM Technical Achievement: Beatrice Alfred Lajawa

OCM Partnership: Abdul Hadi Ahmad and Kimberley Ann Gagnon

OCM Hall of Fame: Aminullah @ Amin Karim (hockey), Lawrence van Huizen (hockey), Datuk Ow Soon Kooi (hockey), M. Arulraj (hockey), Daphene Boudville (hockey), N. Thanabalan (football), Lim Heng Chek (swimming), Fong Seow Hor (swimming), Hector Durairatnam (cricket), Ahmad Mahmud (athletics and rugby), Datuk Kamaruddin Ghani (equestrian), Rosli Abdul Kadir (cycling), M. Vasugi (taekwondo), Dhanraj Rassiah (taekwondo) and Chai Fong Ying (wushu).