Gymnastics in trouble

The Malaysian Gymnastics Federation's Annual General Meeting, held early this year, has been declared null and void by the Sports Commissioner's office.

The Sports Commisioner's office made that decision because representatives from Kedah Gymnastics Association, which has been de-registered, attended and participated in the AGM, where elections of office bearers was held.

Sports Commissioner, Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusof confirmed that the AGM has been declared null and void and his office is waiting for the MGF Council to decide on the date for an Extra Ordinary General Meeting to held.

The AGM saw only one change taking place in the Treasurers post. The others, including President, Datuk Dr. Zakaria Ahmad, and Secretary, M. Shanmuganathan re-elected.

The Pahang Gymnastics Association has been given a show cause letter by the Sports Commisioners office for not submitting the reports for the past couple of years. This could be another problem for MGF.

But, all these things are a good indication that there has to be a change in the people running the day to day affairs of MGF. Enough of all these un professional attitudes which can cause an AGM to be declared null and void. If only the people cocerned has checked with the SC office before having the AGM, this could have been avoided.

Datuk Zak, please change the people running the association. Don't wait anymore.

Luahan hati Adam

Nama saya Mohd Adam Das Abdullah, penulis surat yang disiarkan dalam blog ini.

Mr.Joe, terlebih dahulu saya mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih kerana telah menerbitkan sebahagian daripada surat saya kepada menteri di dalam blog tuan.Pengalaman ini adalah pertama kali buat saya.Saya percaya tuan telah memperkenalkan saya kepada dunia blog yang sebenar.

Sudah berpuluh tahun saya berkecimpung di dalam dunia tenis,sejak dibangku sekolah rendah saya menjadi "ball boy" tenis dan apabila pemain-pemain berehat, saya meminjam reket dan meniru cara mereka bermain. Minat saya mula memutik dan saya berusaha untuk mencari peluang untuk bermain. Saya bernasib baik kerana telah mendapat peluang tersebut apabila saya mendapat tempat di Sekolah Sultan Abbul Halim,Jitra Kedah.

Saya berjaya mewakili sekolah dan mendapat tunjukajar bermain tenis daripada Che gu Syed Abu Bakar dan telah menghadiri seminar di bawah kelolaan mendiang En.Durbara Singh.

Kerana minat yang mendalam saya terus aktif bermain tenis,ketika di universiti dan seterusnya ketika berkerja di Jabatan Kastam, saya telah memenangi beberapa kejohanan kecil diperingkat universiti dan jabatan kerajaan.

Untuk meningkatkan prestasi tenis, saya telah mengikuti kursus kejurulatihan dan saya memiliki beberapa sijil kejurulatihan dan saya turut menjadi ahli jawatankuasa JLTA awal 1980an.

Pada 1989 saya mendapat seorang anak lelaki yang namanya Shafique Dassila, dilahirkan tidak cukup bulan dan beratnya 1.8kg dan beliau mengalami masalah saluran pernafasan dan saluran permakanan. Doktor terpaksa menbedah bayi yang baru berusia tiga hari,dan memberi peluang untuk terus hidup kurang dari 20 peratus, namun nyawa Shafique berjaya diselamatkan dengan peluang 20 peratus itu.

,Shafique bersabung nyawa untuk terus hidup, beliau dibebani dengan berbagai komplikasi yang hampir hampir menghapuskan 20 peratus peluang hidup.

Shafique yang kerap terlantar di hospital diperkenalkan kepada dunia tenis pada usia 10 tahun,dan ini permulaan fasa kedua tenis di dalam hidup saya. Saya melatih Shafique dan adiknya Shahrizan hampir setiap hari, saya menyewa gelanggang Majlis Daerah di Batu Pahat.

Kerana perkembangan tenis kedua dua mereka memberangsangkan saya membawa mereka beradu di dalam kejohanan kejohanan tempatan, dan mereka berjaya menjuarai beberapa kejohanan tempatan, pada masa yang sama perkembangan akademik mereka menyerlah dan penguasaan Bahasa Inggeris amat membanggakan hingga menjuarai Debat Bahasa Inggeris Kebangsaan pada 2006.


Dan, pada 2008 kedua dua mereka melanjutkan pelajaran keAmerika.

Saya telah berusia lebih separuh abad, dan telah melalui berbagai liku hidup, tenis telah memberi pengalaman manis di kalangan ahli keluarga saya. Anak saya, Shamirul dan Suhana sekarang Ranking 1,pemain lelaki dan perempuan bawah 10 tahun, dan seorang lagi anak saya Suzana Ram Ranking 1perempuan bawah 18 tahun.

Saya dapati banyak kepincangan dari pentadbiran LTAM melibatkan beberapa orang pegawai dalam persatuan itu dan mereka perlu diganti dengan orang-orang yang lebih bertanggung jawab.

Terdapat "pengolakan sulit" di dalam pentadbiran, terdapat pilih kasih di dalam pemilihan pemain. Anak anak saya jauh bernasib baik jika dibandingkan dengan kanak kanak yang lain yang bermain tenis dan saya telah menulis surat supaya pihak pihak yang terlibat membuka mata kerana blog Mr.Joe marcose telah membuka peluang untuk kita saling bertukar pemikiran semata mata untuk masa depan tenis.

Flaws in Bukit Jalil track

WASTE OF MONEY: Tracks at National Sports Council in
Bukit Jalil flooded after a heavy downpour on Tuesday evening.

Don't we ever learn? Some RM2.3 million was allocated for the upgrading works of the National Sports Council (NSC) running track in Bukit Jalil. Yet, it only needed a heavy downpour to point out the flaw in its construction.

The bad drainage system is to be blamed as water continued to rise during the heavy rain on Tuesday and causing a large area of the track to be flooded.

It is baffling to note that the drainage system was not addressed earlier as the track is located on lower ground compared with the Commonwealth Hall , Gymnasium 2 and football pitches surrounding it.

Water gushes from the higher areas onto the track area. It is also surprising why the tracks were not raised several inches to prevent water from being stagnant. Former international hurdler Ishtiaq Mubarak (national juniors coach) could only conduct his training at 5.30pm as he had to wait for the water to subside.

“It took some time (for the water to flow into the drains). We have no choice. We had to train at the other end of the track which was not so bad," said Istiaq.

“Several NSC officials and the engineers were around and I’m sure they now know it’s a problem.
“The water is not going into the drains as fast as it should and the water levels kept rising instead."

This is the second blow to the upgraded tracks after NSC claimed the track was certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

In the email dated April 6, IAAF confirmed: “…We have not issued any facility certificate for any track in KL and there is no such ongoing certification matter either.”

There are claims that the 'split timing system' was not installed.

Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) deputy president Karim Ibrahim was then quoted saying; "I saw the tracks and when I pointed it out to the people working there, they just ignored me. Perhaps they know best.”

Several sporting facilities have suffered the same fate because of poor planning. Among them are the Ministry of Education hockey turf in Pantai, the Mini Stadium in Jasin and the 10 football fields, which will be one of the venues for the 13th Malaysia Games at the Hang Tuah Sports Complex in Malacca. - Report by Haresh Deol (Malay Mail).

New Executive Secretary of LTAM

My old friend, Ibrahim Abu Bakar has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM). He began duties a week ago.

Ibrahim, 68, is a former sports commentator with RTM and he is, presently, the Deputy President of the Sports Writers Association of Malaysia (SAM). He was team manager of tennis teams to various international tournaments, including SEA Games.

Well, lets see if Ibrahim can make things better for tennis.

Azizul and Nicol's night

Cyclist Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and squash queen Datuk Nicol Ann David were named the 2009 National Sportsman and Sportswoman respectively.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin presented the main awards and a RM10,000 incentive each to the two winners at the 2009 National Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday night.

Nicol, who won the award for the seventh time, was not present as she is still training in Amsterdam.

The award is the first for Azizulhasni, 22, the track cyclist based in Melbourne, Australia, who ranked first in last season's World Cup Series and also ranked first in the Keirin until March last year.

The Terengganu-born cyclist, who is coached by John Beasley of Australia, showed consistent performance last year by winning the silver in the Keirin event at the World Championship in Poland in March before winning the gold in the same event at the World Championship in Beijing in April.

In November, he won the silver in the Keirin at the World Championship in Melbourne.

His string of successes enabled him to triumph over other candidates for the award namely the incumbent Datuk Lee Chong Wei from badminton, Sazali Abdul Samad (body building), Loh Jack Chang (wushu) and Zulmazran Zulkifli (tenpin bowling).

Nicol, 27, dominated the award with her status as the world number one squash player since August 2006.
The Penang lass also won the same award in 1999 and 2003. Throughout last year, Nicol won six championships and emerged the runner-up in two others.

Nicol started the 2009 campaign by finishing as the runner-up in the Kuala Lumpur Open (March) and in the Caymen Islands Open (May) and winning the Texas Open (May), Seoul Open (June), Malaysia Open (July), Singapore Masters (August), Amsterdam Open (September) and Hong Kong Open (October).

The other candidates for the award are Wong Pei Tty/Chin Eei Hui (badminton), Siow Yi Ting (swimming) and Noraseela Khalid (athletics).

The national football team, who ended a 20-year gold medal drought in football in the SEA Games in Laos in December, was named the National Men's Team.

List of award winners at the National Sports Award 2009:
National Sportsman: Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Cycling)
National Sportswoman: Datuk Nicol Ann David (Squash)
National Men's Team: SEA Games Football Team (Ahmad Fakri Shaarani, Amar Rohidan, Mazlizam Mohamad, Mohd Farizal Marlias, Mohd Baddrol Bakhtiar, Mohd Sabre Mat Abu, Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal, Mohd Asrarruddin Putra, Mohd Nasriq Baharom, S.Kunalan, Mohamad Aidil Zafuan Abd Razak, Mohamad Zakuan Adha Abd Razak, Abdul Manaf Mamat, Mohd Sharbinee Allawee Ramli, K.Gurusamy, Mahalli Jasuli, Mohamad Muslim Ahmad, Mohamad Azmi Muslim Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Safiq Rahim).
National Women's Team: Leong Mun Yee, Pandelela Rinong (Diving)
National Paralympic Sportsman: Mohamad Salam Sidik (Archery)
National Paralympic Sportswoman: Norhayati Sarnoh (Lawn Bowl)
National Men's Coach: K.Rajagobal (Football), Yoong Thong Foong (Wushu)
National Women's Coach: No winner
National Leadership Award: The late Edmund Yong (Golf)
Sports Figure: No winner
Special Award: Dr T. Ponniyah (Karate).

Sports scientist to support track cyclists

Sports scientists from the high performance support team will be stationed in Melbourne, Australia next month to support the 12 national track cyclists.

National Sports Institute (NSI) director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz said the team led by bio-mechanic Mick Flyjer would be assisted by an analyst, psychologist, food technologist and masseur.

"We had sent scientists to Melbourne before but only when needed like during championships. The National Sports Council will also send the road cycling team to Melbourne," he told Bernama.

He said support from sports science was needed as cycling was one of Malaysia's best hope for a gold medal at London 2012 Olympics.

The Melbourne-based cyclists are Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, Josiah Ng, Mohd Rizal Tisin, Muhammad Edrus Md Yunos, Junaidi Mohamad Nasir, Mohamad Hafiz Mohamed Sufian, Muhammad Syamil Bahrum, Mohd Harrif Saleh, Amir Mustafa Rusli, Mohammad Akmal Amrun, Muhammad Adiq Husainie Othman and Fatehah Mustapa.

Dr Ramlan said Malaysia would sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with University of Leipzig, Germany so that our athletes could continue to train over there.

Athletes who had trained in Germany include hurdler Noraseela Khalid, pole vaulter Roslinda Samsu and high jumper Lee Hup Wei.

Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with University of Bath, England last month to use its facilities as a high performance training centre in Europe.

Secretaries in trouble

First it was P. Ganga Rao who was sacked as the Honorary Secretary of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). Now it is learnt that another Secretary of a National body is in trouble.

According to informed sources, the Secretary of Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM), Jaafar Abu has been asked to step down.

Apparently, according to sources, a high ranking official of LTAM was upset with Jaafar Abu for some statements he made to the media and also about his close relationship with parents of tennis playing children.

Will update once Fair Play News gets conformation and further details.

Indonesia's Thomas Cup line up

The 2009 Import and Export Market for Tennis, Badminton, and Similar Rackets in Indonesia
The Indonesian Badminton Association on Friday ended the suspense and announced its final Thomas and Uber Cup squads. Making only minor changes, the association (PBSI) changed four names from the squad that guided Indonesia through the qualifying rounds in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, last month.

Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka and Linda Weni Fanetri were drafted in as singles shuttlers. Dionysius replaced Tommy Sugiarto as the No. 4 singles player, while Linda took Aprilia Wulandari’s spot in women’s singles.

“Hayom showed better performances and had a higher world ranking than Tommy after the qualifying was over,” national team head coach Christian Hadinata told the Jakarta Globe.

He said Linda did as well, even though she lost in the first round of the Asian Championship in New Delhi last week. Aprilia lost in qualifying. The rest of the squad nearly picked itself. Taufik Hidayat assumed the No. 1 men’s singles role, with Sony Dwi Kuncoro at No. 2 and Simon Santoso at No. 3.

“I’m sure I can play more calmly in a high-tension match in my fourth Thomas Cup. It will be because of my experience,” Simon said.

On the women’s side, Maria Febe Kusumastuti overhauled Adriyanti Firdasari and claimed the No. 1 role by virtue of her superior ranking. Adriyanti dropped into the No. 2 spot, with Maria Kristin Yulianti at No. 3.

Indonesia’s doubles squads also saw minor tweaks. The PBSI dropped Rian Sukmawan and Yonathan Suryatama Dasuki, instead giving places on the Thomas Cup squad to Hendra Aprida Gunawan and Nova Widianto.

“They were chosen for their experience and their world ranking. We need experienced players who can overcome pressure during the finals,” Christian said.

Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan held on to their No. 1 men’s doubles spot, while Hendra Aprida was paired with partner Alvent Yulianto Chandra at No. 2.

Nova hopes he can repeat his regional success with Mohammad Ahsan on the world stage. The duo made a telling contribution as Indonesia beat Malaysia 3-2 to win the men’s team event at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games.

“It is an honor for me to play alongside Nova. He has shown his capacity as a senior player during our performance in Laos. He was able to lead me though we had not practiced together before. I hope we can do better this time,” Ahsan said.

Thomas Cup
Singles: Taufik Hidayat, Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Simon Santoso, Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka
Doubles: Markis Kido, Hendra Setiawan, Hendra Aprida Gunawan, Alvent Yulianto Chandra, Nova Widianto, Mohammad Ahsan

Uber Cup
Singles: Maria Febe Kusumastuti, Adriyanti Firdasari, Maria Kristin Yulianti, Linda Weni Fanetri
Doubles: Greysia Polii, Meiliana Jauhari, Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, Shendy Puspa Irawati, Liliyana Natsir, Anneke Feinya Agustine.

More complaints against LTAM

Another father of tennis playing children has made complaints against the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM). Last week, Bhoopinder Singh wrote a letter containing many wrong doings of the national body and the letter was published in this blog.

Recently, Mohd Adam Das Abdullah, a father of five tennis playing children sent a letter to Youth and Sports Minister Dato' Shabery Cheek. His complaints were against two officials of the association and a copy of the letter was given to Fair Play News.

Adam has five children who play tennis, two of them are currently studying in United States and one of the two is a singles player in the Penn State University Travel Team. Three other children are actively playing locally and the twins, Shamirul and Suhana are ranked number 3 in the below 10 age group.

"I want to make a complaint againts three LTAM officials who are involved in drafting the programs and training. One of them is a Vice President who makes use of his position for personal gains," wrote Adam in his letter to the Minister.

Adam alleged that one of them, a foreigner, had received hundreds of thousand ringgit as salary from the National Sports Council (NSC) for the past 10 years even though he was not capable of doing his job and does not have good knowledge about the sports.

"His appointment was a trajedy for tennis in the country and the junior players have not shown improvement and this is because of him," wrote Adam.

Adam went on to say that the particular official was responsible for his two children not being able to get into Bukit Jalil Sports School.

"Recently he also prevented my daughter Suhana Sofia from continuing at the Kids Grand Prix. He stopped her from playing by saying that I did not make the second payments for her participation in a tournament which he is responsible for.

"I am surprised why a foreigner who cannot hit  a tennis ball properly can received the backing and trust of NSC and LTAM for the past 10 years. I can give him the benefit of the doubt if he just started, but after 10 years?," wrote Adam.

The second person, wrote Adam, is national coach S. Silvarajoo whom, he claims, conducts most of his trainings in indoor arenas.

"I strongly feel that Silvarajoo does not have the capabilities and lack ideas to coach a national side. The players also do not respect him. All his players lost badly in the recent Futures and other tournament. The results are a proof of his failure," added Adam.

The complainant also claimed that his twins - Shamirul and Suhana - both with ranking 3 for under 10, were always sidelined. They were never included in any under 10 programs.

Adam third issue is with LTAM Vice President, Cheng Ju Chong, whom he claimed was only interested in getting a scholarship for his son Andy to study in the United States.

"He got the scholarship and Andy is now working in Singapore. He uses his position to visit and make use of tennis facilities ini neighbouring countries. Who is paying for all these?," asks Adam, a former Customs Narcotics Inteligence Officer.

The letter to Ahmad Shabery contained many other allegations, most of which I am not able to publish in this blog, at least for now. But I sure hope the contents are looked into, for the sake of tennis.

R.I.P. Samaranch

Juan Antonio Samaranch (picture) passed away on Wednesday. He was 89.

Samaranch was widely credited with renewing and fundamentally changing the landscape of the Olympic Movement.

“I cannot find the words to express the distress of the Olympic Family,” said IOC President Jacques 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. 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. We have lost a great man, a mentor and a friend who dedicated his long and fulfilled life to Olympism.”

Born in Barcelona in 1920, Samaranch pursued an outstanding career as diplomat and sports administrator before leading the IOC for 21 years.

Soon after his election, Samaranch worked towards the abolition of amateurism at the Olympic Games. Despite two boycotts in Moscow in 1980 and in Los Angeles in 1984, Samaranch managed to maintain the quality of the Games and increase the number of participating countries.

He was the man behind improving the financial health of the Olympic Movement, developing TV rights and sponsorship negotiations and strengthening Olympic Solidarity, the organ by which the IOC redistributes its revenue in order to ensure the training and participation of athletes at the Olympic Games.

A hugely energetic man, he was responsible for the new IOC headquarters building in Vidy and for inaugurating The Olympic Museum in Lausanne. He will also be remembered for championing the representation of women in the IOC, overseeing the entry of the first women members in the 1980s.

He was likewise responsible for setting up the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and for involving the athletes themselves in the decision-making of the IOC by creating the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

A diplomat, Samaranch started his career as Municipal Councillor responsible for sport in the City of Barcelona. He then took on the role of National Delegate for Physical Education and Sport before becoming President of the Barcelona Diputación. He was appointed Spanish Ambassador to the former Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of Mongolia from 1977 to 1980.

Before his election as IOC President in Moscow in 1980, Samaranch had a long career in sports administration. He was a member and subsequently President of the Spanish National Olympic Committee from 1967 to 1970; President of the Spanish Skating Federation; and Chef de Mission at the Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956, in Rome in 1960 and in Tokyo in 1964. He was himself a keen rink hockey player.

Yew Leong going places

The Olympic Council of Malaysia has recommended Wan Yew Leong to attend the Executive Masters in Sport Organisations Management (MEMOS). The course will be over four sessions of one week each from September 2010 to September 2011 in Lausanne, Nairobi and Paris.

Yew Leong is a graduate of OCM's very own Advanced Sport Management Course.

Great start for Man U Premier Cup

MSSK KEDAH and SMK Pulau Nyior were the first two teams to clinch a berth in the NIKE-FAM-Ministry of Education Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) National Finals in Kuala Lumpur on May 15.

In the first leg competition in Penang last Sunday, MSSK Kedah defeated SMK Pulau Nyior 4-3 on penalty kicks after a goalless game.

">The MUPC Cup inaugurated in 1993, has a total of 128 teams taking part this year.The top two teams from the four legs qualify for the final round.

The winner of the National final will represent Malaysia in the regional finals to be held in Sri Racha Thailand from June 14. “I am very happy to be given a chance to play in this tournament and am proud that MSSK Kedah are the champions.  We hope we can do well in the National Finals in Kuala Lumpur”, said Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad who won the top scorer award with 7 goals.

The Manchester United Premier Cup Tournament is the biggest international youth football tournament in the world. Global superstars who have participated in the tournament and were spotted by international talent scouts include Fernando Torres, Carlos Tevez, Robinho and Fransesc Fabregas.

On the local scene, the Malaysian National Team members Aidil and Zaquan Abdul Razak as well as Khairil Muhymeen are proud products of this event.


"It is the hope of NIKE that this tournament will serve as a viable ground for the discovery of local talent that can be further developed for competing in the international scene.

"Another 32 teams will be competing in Kuantan on April 24 and 25 followed by Johor on 1- 2 May, Kuala Lumpur 8-9 May to qualify for the National Finals in Kuala Lumpur.

"NIKE and the FAM see this tournament as an invaluable stage in Malaysia’s football development. It is an important step in the right direction as participation has seen an increase each year and the youngsters look to it as a perfect opportunity to showcase their ability and to dream to be an elite global footballer” said Menaha Nadaraja, Country Marketing Manager of NIKE Malaysia.

International problem in Fencing

Letter fron NATHALIE RODRIGUEZ, International Fencing Federation, to Malaysian Fencing Federation:



Dear Sir,

We have been told by these persons that they will represent Malaysia at the General Assembly and also at the world championships in Baku. But according to the FIE system, if no fencer is participating the federation has no right to any official. The only possibility was to enter them as President and Secretary general since these persons are entitled to accreditations out of the quota.

Of course, we will delete them as President and Secretary General but we need to know if Malaysia will be represented at the GA and in Baku.

Best regards,

Nathalie Rodriguez M.-H.

Reply from Malaysian Fencing Federation:

Dear Nathalie,

The situation is that the Malaysian Fencing Federation
1) Our AGM is under investigation by the National Olycmpic Council
2) No document was handed over by the Malaysian Fencing Board of 2007 to 2009 to the newly elected board.
3) The working board do not have access to the FIE password to register any athlete which was change by the board of 2007 to 2009.

Mr Farik can represent the Asian Fencing Federation as the Vice President of Asian Fencing Federation but not the Malaysian Fencing Federation.

Miss Moira or Mr Ricky Loo can represent Malaysia for the General Assembly as they were nominated to be Olympic Council of Malaysia to represent Malaysian Fencing Federation for all business and programs. Our president of the Olympic council of Malaysia do not believe in proxies so I do hope you would respect his view in that no proxy be use for your General Assembly.

Though please help us with another situation where our athlete information of registration was left hanging and not provided to the National Sport Council for booking of tickets, hotels, transportation and most importantly their visa application. We do hope you can assist us with this which more important to us that the general assembly.

Thank you
Exec. Sec. Malaysian Fencing Federation

Trouble in Fencing

A plea from Siti Zahrah, President of Malaysian Fencing Federation to the President of Olympic Council of Malaysia, Tunku Imran Tuanku Jaafar.

I am not sure who else I should make a plea to not marginalize my sport of fencing in Malaysia. I know you do not wish to know the politics behind the Malaysian Fencing Federation but this is what is happening on my side of the fence. 

I am writing as an athlete, a manager, a coach, an NOA /IOA graduate from Olympia and a committee member of the association.As this opportunity was not given to me nor was it given of the affiliate that is being penalized by your decision.

I beg of you to at least read this letter of which it is coming from the bottom of my heart and my passion for sport.

REASON WHY I SAY MAKING MOIRA AND RICKY AS THE MIDDLE PERSON BIAS AND NOT IN THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT:

1) We were not consulted to to the reason why Moira and Ricky was chosen. There was no letter explaining from OCM to why the Malaysian Fencing Federation was under investigation in the first place.

2) We were not given the report of the investigation to reply back to any query or dispute that OCM has with the Malaysian Fencing Federation. No meeting for mediation were called by OCM.

3) Miss Moira  during the term she was elected as Assistant Sec. General for 2009 -2011 from 22 Dec 2009 has never been fair to all affiliate of Malaysian Fencing Federation.

- Miss Moira is the Assistance Sec. General of OCM. She has informed the Malaysian  Sport Commission approved MFF Sec. General that she only report to Encik Farik and Mr Gokulavanan the previous term's President and Sec. General.

- Miss Moira has also fail as her duty to be fair in that when she has information from the FIE it was never passed to all affiliate of the Malaysian Fencing Federation which include her own state , she being the Sec. General of the Perlis State Affiliate.

Miss Moira has failed to informed of the president of the selection championship in Singapore Jan 2010, Asian Fencing junior and cadet in Philippines March 2010  and the World junior  and cadet fencing Championship in Baku April 2010. As she as informed you she only reports to Encik Farik and she has been in contact with Majlis Sukan Negara regarding the competition above. Yet she has failed to inform the president of Perlis her own affiliate with regards to the competition.

Perlis State has a fencer that would potentially be able to qualify for the World Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2010 Miss Athia whom have climbed the rank of the Asian Junior and Cadet Competition to Rank 5th at the Singapore Asian Junior and Cadet Championship in 2009.

The parents understand that there is no women team under the MSN program (which was shutdown by Encik Farik) but in the past years they have always gone on their own budget and this time was not different. They would have sent their child had Moira informed and not boycott her own athlete.

IS THIS THE SPIRIT OF OLYMPIC THAT EXIST AT OLYMPIC COUNCIL MALAYSIA. It is a very sad day for Malaysian Sport. 

4) Mr Ricky Loo  during the term she was elected as the Vice President  for 2009 -2011 from 22 Dec 2009 has never been fair to all affiliate of Malaysian Fencing Federation. 

- Did not informed all affiliate of the invitation to the event, conducted a selection from all state or register highly qualified fencers for the Asian Junior and Cadet Fencing Championship 2010. The team that was taken to were MSN program athlete and athlete from SABAH that have never entered the Malaysian ranking for 2009 as seen from the attachment of the ranking for 2009. Since our first competition of 2010 is the Junior Circuit 1 in Muar, Johor (Not attended by Melaka).

- Mr Ricky also have not fairly updated it's affiliate on the SUKMA technical and regulations. 

Please don't be cruel to fencers whom are just fencing for the love of the sport. Please please please don't be the catalyst to the demise of fencing in Malaysia.

The reason why we do not want Encik Farik to be president of the Malaysian Fencing Federation  are

1)      He is running the federation like a family business. Where official meetings by international federations were attended my family members of the Encik Farik and not any of the committee of the federation.

As seen from the attachment of the Commonwealth Meeting Attendance where never at any term is Puan Rusni (Encik Farik's Wife) nor Miss Ainaa Farik (Encik Farik's daugther) a Member of the Exec. Committee of the Malaysian Fencing Federation.  It can also be seen at the FIE website where Miss Ainaa Farik whom have never ran for Exec Comm of MFF is now the Sec. General of Malaysian Fencing Federation. She will also be representing Malaysia at the Coming General Assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan.  

2)      The development  of phamtom state association just for political milage and voting rights for example : 

a.       Pahang has yet to develop fencing in the state while the association have been approved since 2007. The state have yet to sent any fencers to any competition in and out of malaysia.According to the accounts of Malaysian Fencing Federation of 2008 they did not pay any affiliate fee. No fencers in SUKMA 2008 and no fencers in the 2009 ranking.

b.      Sarawak was develop by the State Sport Council and the State Goverment in 2002 but after the aprroval of the Sarawak Fencing  Association in 2008 the fencing program  have been because they have yet to be able to contact the Sarawak Fencing Association to come for a meeting to discuss the fencing program in Sarawak. As OCM should be aware once an association have been establish in sarawak the state grant for the sport goes to the sport association not the State Sport Council. In Mac 2009 the State Sport Council have to drop the sport of fencing from its program even though they had a coach and fencing program in Sematan and Kuching. No fencers in the 2009 ranking

c.       Kedah , Encik Farik owns state have yet to develop fencing in the state and since SUKMA kedah 2004 the state’s athlete has decline from a over 24 fencers to 0. This can been seen through records by the number of fencers representing the state for Malaysian Local competition.No fencers in the 2009 ranking.

3)      The depletion of fencing development program in Malaysia with the closing of programs below

a.       Women Foil

b.      Women Epee  

c.       Women Saber

4)      The reduction of local competition in Malaysia down to 3 Grandprix , 1 National Junior and Malaysian Open (which was canceled last year due to H1N1) . Where previously MFF use to host 4 Grandprix, 3 Junior Cuircuit, Malaysia Cup (Open) and Malaysian Open. It is sad to see the decrease of the opportunity to participate in competitions even at local level.

5) Wanting to shutdown running affiliate in reference to the Federal Territory Fencing Association. Which is should be done in a proper way of asking Kuala Lumpur to set up a new association and not shutting down a running association with hundreds of members.

6) Mis-use of power and facilities by the Putrajaya Fencing Association in getting the National Coach to train their state athlete when the coach is being paid by MSN focus on the MSN program. The coach should focus on athlete under MSN program not force to accept athlete given by the President's Wife association. 

Though I do not  doubt the money that have been spent by Encik Farik himself but we have had previous presidents providing the same sacrifice. We do hope it has nothing to do with personal vengeance or spite from Encik Farik’s side.

   

I beg of of you to inform you that the state that are penalized are the state with athlete and have shown full support to MFFs programs but when our athlete  are being penalized a line have to be drawn. I do hope you understand.

I thank you for hearing my plea. Please see the federation through my eyes and the athlete eyes. There is more prove to shine on the mis-conduct of the State of Perak Fencing Association (currently the athlete are left hanging and please help them , their old coach was forced out with a 50% pay cut, housing allowances cut and no support from the state association for the coaches fencing program.)

There is more plea from the parents is just too much for me to bear and hope this e-mail will open a door for you to at least hear from them. Please hear from the athletes, from the coaches and from the parents supporting the sport.

Elected President of Malaysian Fencing Federation (non proxy)

Siti Zaharah bt Abdul Khalid

FA Singapore's target: Top 10 in Asia

The FA of Singapore (FAS) have launched their comprehensive Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 ‘Building on our Success’ with the clear aim to raise overall standards of Singapore football at all levels in the next six years.

The Strategic Plan is designed to propel Singapore football to the next level - with the target to be among the top ten football nations in Asia by 2015. The six key goals of this next phase in the progress of Singapore football are:

1. Establish Singapore as one of the top teams in Asia and maintain our position as the top ASEAN team.
2. Enhance the profile of our game.
3. Grow our business and contribute to the sports industry.
4. Work with MCYS, SSC and other partners to establish a network of facilities.
5. Continue to strengthen the leadership and management at all levels.
6. Increase participation in our game at all levels.

Essentially, the FAS Strategic Plan 2010-2015 offers a systematic and practical way forward for FAS to build on the successes of recent years as they aspire to move Singapore football from being ASEAN’s best to be among the best in Asia.

The following nine key strategic areas have been identified to address the key gaps compared to top Asian football nations with the relevant strategies for Singapore football to excel in to achieve the goals in this six-year plan:

1. Football Development
   - To increase the tactical, technical, physical and mental skills of our emerging talents to succeed at the Asian Youth level with the introduction of a World Class Youth Development Syllabus tapping on the best practices of leading football nations in the world such as France, the Netherlands and Germany.
   
   
2. Football Excellence
   - To expose our National Teams against the Top 15 in Asia and Top 50 in the world where possible. We will be inviting teams of high international calibre to take part in the Merlion Cup and the Lions International Series.
   
   
3. Football Science & Medicine
   - To provide access to high quality football science and medicine services and programmes to ensure that our players are as fit and strong both physically and mentally as Asia’s best.
   
   
4. Football Participation
   - To increase the participation rate and football experience at all levels by delivering the best participation experience in football at all levels as well as underpin the success of our National Teams through the introduction of the National Football Syllabus.
   
   
5. Football Facilities
   - To develop a National Training Centre for our National Teams, positioning Singapore as an international training venue. We’ll also be looking to improve and upgrade training and stadium facilities for our clubs with the aim to complete the development of 5 ‘A’ Class stadiums and one medium-sized football-specific stadium.
   
   
6. Football Business
   - To further enhance the marketing appeal of Singapore football and to develop more commercial opportunities with the aim to boost the popularity of the game and raise revenue in football.
   
   
7. Football Competition
   - To raise the profile of the S.League, with the aim to raise weekly attendances and viewership for S.League matches, re-establish the Lion City Cup and Merlion Cup as marquee events on the Singapore football calendar by attracting participation from top teams from Asia, Europe, North and South America as well as initiate the Asean Super League as a showcase for top teams from around the Asean region.
   
   
8. Football Leadership & Management
   - To augment our progressive leadership and management position of FAS in world football by increasing our representation in the Asean Football Federation (AFF), Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA.
   
   
9. Football Information Technology
   - To inject more IT to our game promotion and enhance the use of IT through a revamp of the FAS and S-League clubs IT infrastructure as well as completing the implementation of the FAS S-League database.

The FAS Strategic Plan 2010-2015 took about a year to formulate as it took into consideration the feedback and input of all stakeholders in Singapore football as well as evaluated the challenges and opportunities facing Singapore, Asian and World football today.

FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter gave his endorsement for the Strategic Plan when he said in a personal message to FAS: “the strategic plan that the Football Association of Singapore has devised is one of the most comprehensive developed by a federation that I have witnessed.

“Having read and understood your strategic goals, I am confident it will take Singapore football to greater heights. FIFA will continue to work with the FAS in the same spirit of partnership as the recent Grassroots Pro-Active Course and IT project, with our dedicated team working closely with FAS across the various aspects of the implementation process.

“Despite budgetary constraints, the FAS have a strong record of generating considerable returns on their investment, a definite strength in Singapore football. “FIFA has long recognised the expertise of the management personnel in Singapore football, utilising these skills in consultancy work as FIFA instructors across the confederations.

“By putting in place the building blocks for the next six years, I am convinced that the progress being made in the domestic game at elite club and confederation level will continue on an upward curve.”

FAS President Mayor Zainudin Nordin said, “The essence of our 2010-2015 game strategy is to identify emerging talents at a younger age and develop them through our National Football Syllabus and world class development plans that will focus on optimizing the technical, tactical, physical and mental capabilities and capacities of our players.

Interesting sponsorship

Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) has emerged as the title sponsor for the Thomas and Uber Cup tournaments, which will be held from May 9-16 at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil.

Announcing this on Friday, Proton group managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Proton was proud to be affiliated with badminton, a sport that was not just closely-linked with the masses but had also lifted the name of the country.

"The opportunity to be the title sponsor for one of the most prestigious tournaments is the perfect branding exercise.

"As title sponsor, it is our duty to assist Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in any way possible," he said at the sponsorship annnouncement and presentation of the tournament's official cars at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya yesterday.

An official website for the Thomas and Uber Cup, www.thomasuberkl2010.com was also launched at the function. Also presents at the event was Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim and BAM vice president Datuk Mohamad Al-Amin Abdul Majid.

Extension for Nik Mahmud

Sports Commissioner Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusof's contract that expired on Wednesday has been extended for another six months by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Nik Mahmud told Bernama at his office yesterday that the Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek had personally informed him of the extension. "My contract was extended to resolve a number of outstanding issues involving sports associations," he said.

Nik Mahmud who replaced Tan Sri Elyas Omar on April 14, 2008 said the most complex issue was the Taekwondo Malaysia (TM) which is expected to be fully resolved by June after TM's first general assembly.

He added that another difficult issue was the Malaysian Professional Golfers Association (MPGA).

"A pro-tem committee has been formed to settle the MPGA issue and the problem is expected to be solved soon," he said. The taekwondo and MPGA issue had been going on since 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Will LTAM ever change?

The Secretary,
L.T.A.M.
c/o N.T.C, Jalan Duta, KL.

Sir,
Today I read, on LTAM website an article titled "Let's facilitate and not frustrate" I very strongly disagree with what has been said in the article.

LTAM does not welcome any form of comments and suggestions, even when it is done in a factual and fair manner.

The selection process has always been disputed because LTAM does not practise a fair and proper criteria. On many occasions those involved in the selection have been biased, victimized innocent young children, discriminated and marginalised innocent young children, by pursuing ill-conceived personal agendas.

Even as late as last week, an official by the name of Taisto refused to say who were in the selection committee, except to say that he is one of them. My three children have always been discriminated against. My reports to the media and other parties prove this. It's a very big shame and disgrace that the person who posted the article can claim otherwise.

People like me who have very genuine complaints "tell the truth and shame the devils" (as the saying goes).
LTAM has never replied my complaints or addressed them. Instead the complainant and his children are victimised. LTAM officials have openly told me that my children will be victimised if I complain.

My children are bright starts and exceptional players. They have been victimised constantly. Even my offer to pay for 50% of all expenses if they were sent overseas for training or individual tournaments were rejected by the President of LTAM, Datuk Razak, since November 2007.

One week ago, my daughter was denied her breakfast before her final match - what a shame and disgrace.

What I have seen up till now is that the association does not believe in the democratic process. It believes in practising dirty politics, carrying out ill-conceived personal agendas. There is so much more I have to say that is very very wrong with LTAM. My past reports have a lot to say. There is so much to say about what's wrong in the past four months itself !

I challenge the LTAM to call a press conference and invite all with complaints to attend, with the attandance of independent panel from OCM, MSN, etc..

If I as a non-tennis playing parent can teach all my three children to be top tennis playing juniors in this country; if V. Selvam (an ageing 40 year old) could be the top player in this country for 20 years - it shows the state of tennis in this country. What a shame.

Instead of working for betterment of tennis, some of you are killing the interest of talented young players. Please take a good look at yourselves in the mirror. I shall sebd a detailed report to the authorities concerned, as and when required.

Yours sincerely,
Bhoopinder Singh.

Confirmed. Ganga sacked

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has sacked its honorary secretary-general, P. Ganga Rao.

BAM president Datuk Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said the dismissal would take effect immediately and that Ganga Rao would no longer involve with the BAM.

"I would like to assure that the decision will not affect the preparations for the Thomas Cup in May," he said in a statement Monday.

Nadzmi gave no reason for the termination but earlier newsreports indicated that the association was disappointed with Ganga Rao's decision pertaining to a sponsorship deal which the association claimed to be beyond his scope of duties.

Meanwhile, Ganga Rao said he was not surprised by the decision taken by the country's badminton governing body.

Ganga Rao, when contacted from Singapore, said the BAM had yet to inform him about his sacking. "I've had enough. I don't want to think about it anymore," he said.

Ganga Rao said he might take action against those responsible for his sacking but would only do so after the Thomas Cup on May 9-16 as he did not want to jeopardise the national squad's preparations.

Tunku Imran menangis

Oleh TL ANG

BARU-BARU ini dalam mesyuarat majlis Persatuan Kriket Malaysia (MCA), presidennya, Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar terpaksa menahan sebak kerana menghadapi tekanan daripada ahli gabungan. Paling teruk daripada anggota majlis eksekutifnya sendiri, Ridzuan Manivanan Abdullah yang juga Presiden Persatuan Kriket Melaka. Teruk Tunku Imran kena maki lantas beliau meluru keluar setelah mengumumkan peletakan jawatan sebagai presiden.

Tetapi bekas timbalannya yang juga Presiden Majlis Kriket Johor (JCC), Datuk Dr. Harjit Singh memujuknya untuk kembali mempengerusikan mesyuarat sekali gus menarik balik keenggannya memegang jawatan presiden. Dan  Tunku Imran menangis terisak-isak. Nampaknya beliau masih diperlukan sekarang.  Anggota majlis MCA sekarang tinggal enam orang sahaja daripada 10 . Empat 'terkeluar'... satu meninggal dunia dan tiga lagi meletakkan jawatan. MCA dikatakan kucar kacir dalam kepemimpinan dan menghadapi masalah kewangan serius.

Ridzuan Mani pula dikatakan bakal dibuang daripada jawatannya dalam majlis MCA. Usul pembuangannya mendapat sokongan 10 anggota gabungan kerana terlalu celupar dan memaki hamum ahli gabungan dan anggota majlis eksekutif termasuk Tunku Imran menerusi internet. Ridzuan, orang baru dalam kepemimpinan kriket merasakan dia boleh mengetuai kumpulan untuk menumbangkan Tunku Imran tetapi nampaknya 'kegarangannya' itu telah memakan diri sendiri.

Pada 24 April ini, empat lagi jawatan kosong MCA akan diisi berpandukan perlembagaan; iaitu lapan bulan sebelum mesyuarat agung tahunan. Setiausahanya, Sivanandan Chinnadurai cuba mendapatkan sekutu rapat bagi pengisian itu. Antaranya Muralitharan Veerasamy (Pulau Pinang), Lt. Kol Gerard Denis Singam (Tentera), Wilfred Abraham (Kuala Lumpur) dan Dr. Ramli Tahir dari Labuan. Aneh, Sivanandan tidak lagi mengharapkan 'orang kanannya' dari Pahang dan Selangor buat masa sekarang.

Inilah MCA, jarang sekali mereka membincangkan pembangunan untuk menjadi kriket antara sukan yang mendapat perhatian di negara ini. Soal pembangunan diletakkan pada tanggungjawab Persatuan Kriket Melayu Malaysia walaupun ramai yang  tidak senang dengan kewujudan pertubuhan itu sejak tahun 1993.

MInggu lepas, dua bekas pegawai MCA yang meletakkan jawatan akhir tahun lepas, Mahinda Valipuram (naib presiden) dan S. Gopal (anggota majlis) memanggil Sivanandan untuk 'berbincang' kalau-kalau bersetuju dengan cadangan mereka untuk kembali dan mendapat restu bagi jawatan sama. Mereka mencadangkan banyak perkara perlu diperkemaskan lagi agar MCA benar-benar menjadi sebuah badan induk. Sivanandan tidak bersetuju kerana perancangan kedua-dua pegawai itu untuk menumbangkan kepemimpinan MCA berikutan taktik peletakan jawatan mereka dahulu tidak berjaya.

Mahinda dan Gopal berhenti dengan harapan suatu mesyuarat agung luar biasa dimohon oleh gabungan untuk mewujudkan pemilihan baru. Ada beberapa kerat rakan karib mereka berkempen tetapi tidak berjaya kerana ramai tidak meyakini 'permainan' itu. Akhirnya mereka terpaksa berpolitik untuk berbincang dengan Sivanandan kalau-kalau perangkap mereka dapat menjerat Sivanandan. Tidak semudah itu kerana 
Sivanandan difahamkan individu yang amat pandai menjerat rakan sendiri.

Mudah-mudahan Tunku Imran bersedia untuk menghadapi pelbagai dugaan ini. Putera bekas Presiden Persatuan Kriket Melayu Malaysia, Almarhum Tuanku Ja'afar itu sudah berjanji untuk menamatkan khidmatnya dalam MCA pada mesyuarat agung akan datang. Siapa penggantinya? Pilih mereka yang berwibawa dan boleh menyelesaikan segera hutang MCA.

Rekindling the romance

A cross-causeway tournament involving S-League clubs and Malaysian sides, rekindling some of the old Malaysia Cup fever, will go ahead this June, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) confirmed yesterday.

"The FAS and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have met and, in my view, it appears to be a meeting of two like minds," FAS president Zainudin Nordin, who is also the mayor of central district Singapore, told MediaCorp.

"We will do it for the first time this year, and well see what the constraints are for the subsequent years. But one thing is clear: This is not a one-off event. We want to make this happen on a regular basis."

FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad expressed Malaysia's keen interest in the tourney.

"It has been quite a while since Singapore football has been absent from Malaysia, and clubs here are very keen on this competition," the former Malaysia international told MediaCorp from Kuala Lumpur.

"We are hoping it'll be a big thing. We're working out the details and moving into the next phase of looking for sponsors for the event."

The tentatively-named FAS-FAM series is scheduled to take place between June and July when domestic leagues take a break for the World Cup in South Africa.

Datuk Azzudin revealed that the tourney is likely to feature both leagues top two sides in 2009, along with the winners of each country's domestic cup competitions joining the fray.

Singapore's representatives are likely to be S-League sides SAFFC, Tampines Rovers and RHB Cup winners Geylang United, and they will face Malaysia's Selangor, Perlis and Negri Sembilan.

And it will not be just the club sides that face off on the pitch.

"In the past few years, relationship between the two countries has improved tremendously, and we would like to further this by having more interaction at all levels in the sporting arena," said Zainudin.

"I am proposing that when the senior sides play a friendly, every level below them from the under-23s down through the ranks plays as well."

While the dates have yet to be finalised, the competition is likely to take place between June 22 and July 11 and, according to Datuk Azzuddin, fans either side of the Causeway will get a taste of the action.

"Fans in Singapore will get the opportunity to see the teams play, and fans here will also get a taste of the action," he said.

Poor turnout...because of TV?

The FA Cup final match between Negeri Sembilan and Kedah scheduled for Saturday at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium will probably be cheered by approximately 25,000 supporters.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad did not dismiss the possibility that the live telecast of the game on TV1 had influenced ticket sales.

He said Negeri Sembilan had so far sold 20,000 tickets for the match, while Kedah only managed to sell 5,000 tickets. "So, about 40,000 tickets will still be available at the stadium from 9am tomorrow," he told reporters Friday.

Tickets are priced at RM20 for adults and RM5 for children and the stadium doors will be opened at 5pm.

Turnaround for Chinese football

The negative perceptions of Chinese football will begin to change in a year and the whole game will be put on the right path in three, said Wei Di, the man charged with dragging the sport out of its present morass.

Football in China has suffered years of misery and violence on the pitch and corruption off it, culminating in a series of match-fixing scandals over the last five months that have left it reeling.

Wei, who took over at the Chinese Football Association in January when the previous chief Nan Yong was arrested, says he is confident he can quickly restore the credibility of the game, if not immediately improve the quality of play.

“I believe after about one year we can make a new impression, an initial turnaround,” Wei said on Wednesday. “After two to three years I hope we can erase all the negative impressions. But improving playing standards in Chinese football isn’t just a two or three-year job.”

China is ranked 84th in the world and failed to reach the final qualifying stages for this year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Wei’s three-point plan involves tightening up supervision of the professional leagues, improving the image of the CFA and, most importantly, broadening the game’s grassroots.

The 55-year-old was China’s head of water sports when Nan and 20 other football officials were caught up in the anticorruption crackdown.

“Obviously, I felt huge pressure,” he said. “How would I rebuild a bright image of football? How could we make children love football again? It was such a difficult mission.”

Chinese football fans hoping that the match-fixing scandal might have resulted in the sport being freed from the embrace of China’s government-run sports system, however, are most likely to be disappointed.

Unlike many critics, Wei believes the involvement of government in football is not the problem but the solution to the game’s current ills.

“To separate government and football is the direction we are working toward but, at the moment, the involvement of government is a guarantee of the orderliness and a protection from fundamental problems,” he said.

Wei does, however, promise open and democratic decisions at the CFA, forums for the public to express their opinions and increased, if not complete, independence for the top flight Chinese Super League.

Wei travels to Zurich on Thursday for his first meeting with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

He also hopes to meet with FIFA officials to elicit further help for China’s “Campus Football” scheme, an initiative backed by $6 million in government funds aimed at exposing a million children a year to the joys of the sport.

“The professional league is the stem of the tree while the national teams are the fruits on it. But beautiful fruits can attract more attention and encourage children to participate.”

Pelumba terbunuh semasa latihan

Pelumba basikal wanita kebangsaan, Nurfarahdini Zakaria, 27, terbunuh selepas terjatuh semasa menjalani latihan bersama skuad lumba basikal Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) di Lambor Kiri dekat Seri Iskandar, 60 kilometer dari Ipoh, semalam.

Ketua Polis Daerah Perak Tengah, Supt. Mohamad Fakri Che Sulaiman berkata, Nurfarahdini meninggal dunia di Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun dua jam selepas kejadian pada 10.20 pagi itu.

Nurfarahdini, yang juga anggota TLDM, adalah anggota pasukan lumba basikal wanita kebangsaan yang menyertai Sukan SEA di Laos tahun lepas bersama Masziyaton Mohd Radzi, Nurul Ahmar Badeuzzaman dan Kimberley Yap.

Karim challenges Zol to prove allegations

The Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) deputy president Karim Ibrahim Sunday challenged National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong to prove allegations that he had ordered a boycott of the NSC mini stadium track inspection on Thursday.

Karim alleged that Zolkples had hurled baseless and malicious accusations against him, claiming that he (Karim) had directed head coach Harun Rasheed and other MAAU officials to boycott an invitation to inspect the track at the NSC mini stadium which was resurfaced at a cost of RM2.3 million.

"I want Zolkples to provide evidence on his allegations, failing which I will seek legal redress.

"Show me the Short Message Service (SMS) that he (Zolkples) had claimed was sent by me to Harun and other officials," he told Bernama.

Karim said NSC had only sent a letter dated April 1 (the same day as the supposed inspection) and that the letter was only received at about 1pm on April 1 while the inspection was scheduled at 4pm.

"I have sent the letter to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Sports Commissioner and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) so that they can see for themselves.

"NSC should have sent the letter earlier because it is almost impossible to attend the inspection upon such short notice. Anyway inspection of track is the jurisdiction of the technical people in the MAAU," he said.

Karim added that the MAAU office was situated just a stone's throw from the NSC office, in fact it next to mini stadium, and yet NSC decided to sent the letter on the very same day.

He added that MAAU technical officials should have been called to inspect the track when work was in progress at various stages and after its completion and not just once everything was completed.

"I urge the minister to use his good office to look into the matter so that such incidents do not recur because what Zolkples did was a personal attack on me which is tantamount to character assassination.

Karim also questioned why NSC had dragged Harun into the matter as he was only the head coach who takes charge of training athletes.

Media reports quoted Zolkples as saying that Karim had directed Harun and MAAU officials to boycott the track inspection on Thursday.

Zolkples in the report had also expressed disappointment over the failure of Harun who is employed by NSC, to attend the track inspection.

"Zolkples should not find scapegoats for his or NSC's own inefficiency. I also do not understand why he likes to pick on me personally because this is not the first time. I hope the Minister can resolve the matter," he said.

Taekwondo problem linked to North and South Korea !

The Youth and Sports Ministry is confident problems resulting from the suspension of the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) can be resolved soon following the acceptance of the states and clubs towards the setting up of Taekwando Malaysia (TM), the Dewan Rakyat was told Wednesday.

Its Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said TM, which was chaired by Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Jaafar, had received wide acceptance in overcoming the problems as a result of MTA's suspension since 2005.

"This problem is also linked to North and South Korea after two separate entities governing the sport arose," he said when winding up debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal address for his ministry.

He said this in responding to a call by Datuk Mohd Jidin Shafee (BN-Setiu) who wanted the Sports Commissioner to retract the suspension of MTA as it was affecting development of taekwondo in the country.