CHONG WEI WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LA !

Men's singles World number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei clinched the inaugural Mini Olympics gold medal after beating former All England champion Hafiz Hashim in straight sets at the Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara, here Thursday.

The Beijing Olympics silver medallist who arrived home after a 10-day training stint in South Korea, hardly lost any sweat when he outplayed Hafiz, ranked world number 37, in straight sets, 21-17, 21-10.Chong Wei who bagged three super series titles this year - Malaysia Open, Swiss Open, Indonesia Open and the Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold said: "Even though the Mini Olympics is not a major championship, I treat it as a perfect warm up before competing in the World Championship in Hyderabad, India."The World Championship in Hyderabad which is expected to feature all the top badminton players in the world, will kick off from Aug 10-16."Now, I'm fully focused on the World Championship title which is my main target now," he said and added that the next 10 days would be critical for him since he has to stay away from injuries.

Chong Wei said: "This time around, I'm confident of reaching the final. I failed in the past due to costly mistakes (2005 World Championship in Anaheim, California, 2006 in Madrid, Spain and 2007 in Kuala Lumpur), but I have learned my lessons well and I am more determined now than ever."Based on the Badminton World Federation rankings, the Penang shuttler, 26, had stayed at the top for almost a year now since climbing to the top after taking over from China's Lin Dan after the Beijing Olympics."This is my prime time to lift the world championship. Thus, during this 10 days I must focus on strengthening my mental," he said.

Chong Wei's coach Misbun Sidek said: "He needs to maintain the winning momentum before the world championship starts in two weeks. The feeling must be there should he want to win the championship."Meanwhile, the women's singles gold was won by top seed Wong Mew Choo who beat second seed Lydia Cheah Li Ya 24-22, 21-17.In the men's doubles, unseeded pair Chan Chong Ming/Chew Choon Eng won the gold after edging veteran pair Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah 16-21, 21-15, 24-22 in the final.World number one women's doubles pair Chin Eei Hui/Wong Pei Tty bagged the gold after beating unseeded pair Choong Sook Chin/Woon Khe Wei 21-16, 21-17 in the women's doubles final.

P/S : He travels to South Korea on taxpayers money, and he comesback to compete in Mini Olympics that is created by NSC to make money, what kind of rubbish is this. This is purely wasting tax payers money. Can Chong Wei win the World Championship? Did anyone expect Hafiz to beat Chong Wei?

Bobby Charlton - A Tribute

A FUTSAL PARK

The Chengdu Football Association has struck a deal with the regional government for land on which to build a Futsal Park for the benefit of the city.

Earlier this year, AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam presented Chengdu officials with a cheque for US$530,000 as part of AFC’s Social Responsibility Department's aim to help the region recover from last year’s devastating earthquake.

The Futsal Park is moving closer to reality with the Chengdu FA forging a contract with the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone Government for a 20-year lease on 26,680 square metres of land.
“Surely it (the futsal park) will play an important part in Chinese football,” Chengdu FA President Gu Jianming wrote in a letter to Bin Hammam. “The support from AFC and Friends will always be remembered in the hearts of Chengdu citizens.”

Of the $530,000 handed over to Chengdu in April, $250,000 came from AFC's Social Responsibility Department. The rest was a combined donation from the Football Federation of Australia, ECN, the English Premier League and Chelsea Football Club.

The Chengdu FA has revealed a stunning design for the Park with a horseshoe-shaped pavilion leading out to 12 futsal pitches, 10 of them using artificial turf. The building will also have a gym, restaurant, conference rooms and other facilities.

The Park is expected to open around spring next year and Bin Hammam is looking forward to being present at its launch.

“I am impressed with the strikingly stunning design and innovative concept of the Park,” Bin Hammam said in a latter to the Chengdu FA. “It would give me great pleasure to return to Chengdu next spring, in the Year of the Tiger, to inaugurate the Chengdu FA Futsal Park.”

SATHIANATHAN HEADS TO CHINA

FORMER National Coach B.Sathianathan has been appointed as the Head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Technical Study Group for AFC U-19 Women’s Championship which will takes place in Wuhan, China from August 1 to 12 .

Top three finishers from this tournament will qualify for the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany.

Sathianathan will be assisted by eight technical assistants in the tournament is said to be of high standards.

"I am honoured to be given this responsibility in heading the technical group, indeed it is a new challenge for me, but I will deliver my best in this assignment." said the former Negri player.

AN EVENT CREATED TO MAKE MONEY .. WELL DONE SPORTS MINISTRY

National Sports Council (NSC) acting director-general Abdul Jalil Abdullah hopes national athletes would be able to achieve their respective targets when competing in the Mini Olympics.The Mini Olympics, organised for the first time as preparations for the 2012 London Olympics, is open to athletes who are ranked among the top in the eight sports to be contested."

It is not a state or national meeting but open to all athletes who are eligible to compete. There is also no age limit," he told reporters here Monday.The Mini Olympics was initiated following a resolution adopted after the National Sports Convention last year and aimed at providing a platform for junior and senior athletes to compete on a level playing field, based on their rankings.

Eight sports, namely aquatics (swimming & diving), athletics, gymnastics, (rhythmic & artistic), cycling (track & road), archery, badminton, shooting and weightlifting would be hosted from July 29 to Aug 9. Abdul Jalil said the NSC would spend RM1.1 million to organise the Mini Olympics that is expected to feature 1,595 athletes and officials with athletics listing 360 participants, the biggest in the event.

He said archery and badminton would be the first two sports to open their doors for competition on July 29."The respective national sports associations had made their selection based on their selection criteria and the number of athletes competing also depends on the associations," he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU) deputy president Karim Ibrahim confirmed that the athletics contingent will remain as 360 because there were more than 40 events in the athletics programme as compared with other sports."Unlike other sports, athletics features more than 40 events in the men's and women's categories and even if eight participants are fielded in each event, the number will reach 320, excluding coaches and officials," he said.

SIMPLY EMBARASSING

Sportswriters' image has been tarnished by some sports journalists demanding for favours from certain sports officials.

Recently, a journalist requested an official who returned from an international assignment, to get him an expensive liquor bottle. This journalist was then treated to a sumptuous dinner in a well known sea-food restaurant.

To add further insult, the journalist expected the sports official to virtually feed him with stories. There were times when the official fed him some information in confidence, hoping that he would have a better understanding of certain situations. However, the writer went on to abuse his trust and used the "classified" information given to him.

JAIHO who recently met the official during the Manchester United match against Malaysia, was told that the journalist's behavior has backfired and is seriously considering reporting him to his employers.

This particular sports journalist even has the audacity to call and and shout at officials when other papers have a story and he has missed it.

Some messages sent by this unscruplus sporwriter have been revealed to JAIHO and he is embarrased .

What has sports journalism come to??!!! And these are the same people who write about sports associations' misdeeds and faults'. They ought to look at the man in the mirror before hurling brickbats at others!

P/S - Please don't call me to ask who this journalist is.. I don't want to tarnish his bosses good name and the paper he works for.

HAVING A BIG EGO IS A GOOD THING ..

"What's the difference between a blowhard or a braggart and somebody that gets it done ?" I recall a time when Mohammed Ali used to get up and say, "I'm the Greatest. I am going to whoop you, I'm going to destroy you," to his opponents.


Ali was fighting George Forean in the famous "RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE." George, at the time, was invincible. He couldn't be beaten. He was the hardest puncher Ali ever fought.


He punched harder than Joe Frazier or Sonny Liston.He could take the hardest punches and would never go down. And also he was much younger that Mohammed. George foreman was such a great fighte that he knocked Joe Frazier and knocked him down six times. Mohammad was Ali was past his prime. What he went out and did that night was amazing.Ali�0was smart. He had watched videos of Foreman's previous fights and he didn't tell anybody, not even his trainer.

He watched a video of Foreman fighting three people in one night.Foreman knocked the first guy out immidiately. They were all journeyman fighters. The fight with the second was closer, but he knocked him out after four rounds. In the fight with the third guy, Foreman almost did not win.He had a time. Mohammad Ali saw this and he knew Foreman's weaknesses - he gets tired.


For five rounds of the flight, Ali didn't throw a punch. Ali did the "rope-a-dope" and just leaned on the rope and let Foreman throw the punches to his body. Foreman had trouble hitting his face.

Angelo Dundee, his trainer said "Champ,Champ we can't let you take this anymore." Ali said "What are you talking about. By the fifth round Foreman was finished.Then all of sudden in the sixth round, Ali started pummeling Foreman who�0had nothing left. Foreman was completely helpless and Ali knocked him out in the eight round.


This was the greatest fight ever !


Mohammad Ali talks big, but he also delivers the goods.


His advise is "Have a BIG ego, but do not be egotistical. A big Ego is a positive thing.

JAIHO SOUNDTRACK

TWO GOALS .. AND HE IS A LEGEND

Mohd Amri Yahyah will become a legend and a folk hero of Malaysian football. The 28-year-old from Tanjong Karang will be hailed alongside some of the former greats, among them the late Mokhtar Dahari and R. Arumugam, “Raja Bola” Datuk Abdul Ghani Minhat and Matlan Marjan, who scored two goals against the visiting England team in the 1980s.

Amri will be a household name and remembered for his double strike in the national team’s spirited showing against English Premier League giants Manchester United in the first match of the Red Devils’ pre-season Asian Tour, which Malaysia lost 2-3 in Kuala Lumpur on July 18.
More so, the classic volley when he surprised United No. 1 goalkeeper Edwin van dar Sar from 40 metres out. He also rounded United’s former England goalkeeper Ben Foster to put Malaysia on level terms.

“It feels like being in a different world now,” said Amri yesterday.

“Whoever I meet, they talk of the two goals and congratulate me. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am happy to have left behind something for the fans to remember.
“In fact, I need to thank national coach K. Rajagopal for giving me the break to don national colours after a three-year break.”

The Selangor skipper has been going great guns and has been playing consistently well for the Red Giants this season.Selangor have won the Charity Shield (defeating Kedah 4-1) and the FA Cup (defeating Kelantan 4-1 on penalties).

Last night, Selangor clinched the Super League title when they thrashed Police 6-1 at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium.

Rajagopal should also be credited for taking a bold step in naming only four seniors in the national team, comprising Under-23 players preparing for the Laos SEA Games in December. Besides Amri, the other seniors in the team were Indra Putra Mahayuddin, skipper Norhafli Zamani Misbah and V. Thirumurugan.- THE STAR -

SELANGOR WINS MSL ..NEXT MALAYSIA CUP

League leaders Selangor, gunned down bottom club Police 6-1, to secure the 2008/2009 season's Super League title at the Selayang Stadium, with two matches to spare.

With the win Tuesday, coupled with closest rival Perlis' 1-2 lost to KL Plus, Selangor, under coach K. Devan, regarded as the 'Man with the Midas Touch' collected 60 points while Perlis who are in second place with 53 cannot mount a challenge for the title even if Selangor were to lose both their remaining matches

.Backed by a sea of supporters who came in Selangor's red and yellow colours, and an attack spearheaded by Malaysia's two-goal hero in the match against Manchester United, Mohd Amri Yahya, it did not take long for Police to feel the impact when they conceded the first goal as early as the 4th minute through Rudie Ramli's strike.

Mohd Nasrio Baharom made it 2-0 in the 30th minute while Amri added the third in the 47th minute before Mohd Razman Roslan (55th min pen), Amirul Hadi Zainal (71st) and D. Surendren (75th) completed the rout.Khairul Izuan scored Police's consolation goal in the 86th minute.In Kota Baharu, Kelantan failed to take advantage of playing at their own backyard and lost 0-1 to Kedah at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium.In Kuantan, Pahang beat Perak 2-1 while KM Naza upset Negeri Sembilan 1-0 and Johor FC added on the UPB-MyTeam's woes with a 5-0 win.

In the league table, Kedah with 48 points remained in third spot while Johor FC with 45 points moved up to fourth place ahead of Kelantan who were relegated to fifth spot.Terengganu who have played a match less, are in sixth spot with 43 points while Negeri Sembilan and KM Naza with 37 points are in seven and eighth places respectively.

NO MONEY IN THE KITTY, BUT MALAYSIA BOLEH

The Ministry of Youth and Sports hope to rebrand the National Jersey "Harimau Malaya" (Malayan Tiger) donned by the Malaysian contingents at international events to form a supporters group for the 'Road to London 2012'.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the rebranding exercise would be launched by year end to project a single identity wear that can be proudly worn by athletes and supporters."We want Malaysians to be proud when they wear the 'Harimau Muda' attire just like what footballs fans of teams like Manchester United who come in the team's kit," he told reporters here on Tuesday.

The national jersey, which has black tiger stripes motif on a yellow background, was unveiled by the then Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Nov 14, 2005 in time for the Manila SEA Games.Since then, national athletes and officials going for competitions abroad, used the attire which draws instant recognition as Malaysian participants.Ahmad Shabery said, in efforts to win the country's first gold medal in the Olympics, the 'Road to London 2012' programme will be a significant one to garner support from fans towards achieving the objective."

Staring 2010, we will have about two years to ensure the 'Malayan Tigers' attire becomes a household attire in line with the 1Malaysia concept," he said.He added that with strong support from the fans and the inspiration derived when wearing the attire, can spur national athletes their gold medal quest, especially in sports like badminton, archery and cycling.Though the main target for the gold is from badminton, archery and cycling are also capable of producing gold medal performances, he said.

Let's hope it's not another false dawn

IT nearly happened, didn't it? Malaysia coming within a whisker of holding Manchester United to a draw in their friendly on Saturday.

It was, irrespective of what happened in last night's match, a pleasing result considering just how bad Malaysian football has become.Sure, United were nowhere near their best but Malaysia fought and that by itself is a trait that should be admired.But we also have to be mindful of the fact that there have been several false dawns as far as football is concerned over the last few years.It started with the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games where Malaysia, after a 12-year absence, qualified for the final only for keeper Kamarulzaman Hassan to concede a freak goal.
That was followed by bronze medal finishes in the next two Sea Games before failing to advance to the semi-finals of the 2007 edition in Korat.

All these campaigns were spearheaded by the national Under-23 squad and in each edition, Malaysia spoke about how this generation was going to revive football.But Malaysia are still without a Sea Games gold and when the next edition comes around in December, it will be 20 years since that majestic night at the Merdeka Stadium when Malaysia beat Singapore 3-1 in the final.So, as pleasing as Malaysia were against United, we have to remember that there is still a lot of work to be done and results achieved before we can say football is out of the woods.

In fact, more and more are questioning the millions that are being spent on sports like football and hockey when it is becoming increasingly obvious that the future for Malaysia is in individual sports.Divers Leong Mun Yee and Pandelela Rinong proved that by clinching the women's 10m platform bronze in the World Championships on Sunday, a first ever for Malaysia.Cyclists Azizul Hasni Awang and Rizal Tisin won silver and bronze in the World Championships in May while bowling and squash have consistently done so as well.

Badminton is another sport that delivers, though I would still say at a trickle after considering the support and resources that the BA of Malaysia (BAM) has.Still, badminton -- one of the Big Three -- is still a lot more consistent then football and hockey -- and is doing reasonably well at the junior and senior levels.Players like Lee Chong Wei, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong came through the ranks and they are still there delivering.Can football claim the same?Most of the players from the 1997 World Youth Cup faded just five, six years later and the same happened to those from the 2001 Sea Games squad.

Sure, they might still be playing in the M-League but was that what millions were spent on them for?This is something the FA of Malaysia must address seriously if it hopes to build on what has been achieved in the two matches against United.- ON THE BALL BY VIJESH RAI - NST SPORTS EDITOR ..

GOLD MEDAL IS THE TARGET ..

WHILE National Under-23 coach K.Rajagopal says that Malaysia target for this SEA Games should be qualifying for the second round, but FAM Deputy President Datuk Redzuan Sheikh Ahmad said that winnning the "GOLD MEDAL" for the Under-23 team is the target.

Sometime I wonder if FAM knows what they are talking aboout. These are the same people who placed target for B.Sathianathan and what was the result?

These are the same people who spoke about Key Performance Indicators (KPI'S), improvement of FIFA ranking, video analysis. Where has all that gone too now ?

A special committee was created the National Team Management Committee, what is the outcome ... ZERO , the recommendations was not even presented to the EXCO.The video matches and technical analysis was not made available. So who are we kidding here FAM .

"The team which played yesterday (Saturday) comprised mostly Under-23 players with the addition of four seniors and it is going to continue that way," said Redzuan

"Countries in the region, especially Myanmar and Vietnam, are exposing their young players and we must do the same."We have a structure from the Under-12 level onwards which will supply players to future national teams. Our focus must be on becoming leaders in Asean first and the Sea Games is our target.

"We are not going to aim for the sky when we don't have the ammunition." Redzuan added that FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah was delighted with the national team's performance in the 3-2 defeat to United at the National Stadium.

"Tuanku was very happy and pleased with the performance. This young squad will mature with time and we believe we are doing the right thing by exposing this team," he added. Malaysia are due to play two matches against Indonesia in Palembang on Aug 5 and Aug 8 while a trip to China is being arranged for late September at the invitation of the China FA.

.

SULTAN AHMAD SHAH DISAPPOINTED WITH MALAY MAIL

THE Media friendly known President Sultan Ahmad Shah, expressed his disappointment over the series of article that was written by the afternoon daily in regards to "ZIMBABWE" team's presence in Kuala Lumpur last week.

In the FAM exco meeting it is learnt that the ruler of Pahang said "I am disappointed that a paper which was known to have reknown writers, have come to this state. I am disappointed with the writer, editor for twisting the facts. They should have contacted me to get a clearer picture."

It was also learnt that what really angered him was when the Malay Mail used "STUPID" in a photo caption.

"The writer wrote an apology but to me it sounded very scarstic, I did not see any sincerity in that piece at all" said the Sultan.

I called three exco members and they said the same thing, that for good 15 minutes, that Ahmad Shah spoke about the stories written and how disappointed he was

"Tuanku was very angry" said an exco member

It is also learnt that he has instructed FAM General Secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad to send a legal letter as soon as possible.

FAM claims that the afternoon paper made factual errors by accusing FAM that they have paid RM 225,000 for the Zimbabwe team to be here.

"Chris you know Tuanku, he is very open to criticism, and you can ask him any questions he will not snub you. Infact he is very friendly to the local media. But what was written was very unfair." said a senior exco member.

Other Decision:-

1. Young Tigers might see action in the Super League next year.

2. Competition Committee to review MSL in theree months time.

Najib predicted 6-0 defeat

It appears that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, like most Malaysians, had grown pessimistic about the quality of Malaysian soccer, which has been on the decline over the years.


This is why he registered surprised over the local team's narrow 2-3 defeat to Manchester United in a friendly match in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. "We lost 2-3?. I thought we lost 0-6," he said in jest when asked to comment on the match result at a press conference after he had an audience with King Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in Jeddah.

According to Bernama, when told that he had to miss watching his favourite team MU in action back home, Najib said: "This (the audience with King Abdullah) is more important."

Manchester United played a Malaysian selection yesterday on the first stopover of their Asian tour which will also take them to South Korea and China. They will play another match with a Malaysian selection tomorrow after their friendly with an Indonesian selection in Jakarta tomorrow was cancelled following bomb blasts at two Indonesian hotels on Friday.

"NO FEAR"

The narrow 2-3 defeat by the Malaysian side against Manchester United was a result of a 'no fear mentality' instilled among his players said coach K. Rajagobal, Saturday."After undergoing several weeks of training at the Trafford Training Centre in Carrinton (Manchester United's official training ground) several years ago, Sir Bobby Charlton always focused on "No Fear In Football" which has motivated my style of management," he said.

Despite the English Premier Champion scoring two quick goals through Wayne Rooney and Nani in the first-half, the Malaysian side, made up of mainly Under-23 players, showed a great deal of determination in the match."During the first-half break, I told the players to play with urgency in the second half. I also told them that there should be no fear in football, even when facing a formidable side like Manchester United," said Rajagobal, who admitted that changing too many players when the score was tied 2-2, had changed the complexion of the match and outcome.

"We made too many changes and that cost us the match when newly signed striker Micheal Owen scored the winner," he said.Nevertheless, Rajagobal was happy with his side's performance."In the rematch on Monday, the narrow defeat will further motivate them to perform even better than today," said Rajagobal who is expected to maintain the same line-up.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was awed by the speed, open play and enthusiasm displayed by the Malaysian side."It was nice when we were leading 2-0 early in the first half but were surprised by Malaysia's first goal.

Then, into the second half, I noticed that Malaysian players were more determined and played with high enthusiasm, particularly, in ball possession," said Ferguson or fondly known as Fergie.The tour is the Carling Cup and World Cup Club champions' fourth trip to Malaysia, after 1991, 1995 and 2001 when they hammered a Malaysian side 6-0. Asked about the Malaysian team's improved performance, Alex said: "Absolutely, it has improved since the last tour and that is good."

SECOND MATCH IN MALAYSIA

The club have confirmed they will play a second game against a Malaysian XI on Monday evening (20 July) in Kuala Lumpur following the cancellation of their visit to Indonesia.

The Reds had been due to fly to Jakarta on Saturday evening after their opening tour game, but Friday's terrorist attacks in Indonesia resulted in the trip being cancelled.Julian Kam, CEO of ProEvents, the tour organisers, revealed further details on United's second match in Malaysia at Saturday's post-match press conference.

"The game will take place on Monday 20 July at 20:45 local time (13:45 BST) again at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. Looking at the tremendous reception the team have received in Malaysia, and the capacity crowd on Saturday evening, we believe many fans will be eager to watch the team play again. A second match will give fans who missed out first time round another chance to watch the players in action, and those who would like to watch them again can also do so.

"Fans from the UK who have bought tickets to watch the match in Indonesia can exchange them for new tickets for Monday's game in Malaysia. Similarly, fans in Indonesia who bought tickets for the match in Jakarta can also exchange them to watch the game in Kuala Lumpur. We have arranged for 3,000 seats in the stadium to be allocated for these purposes.

"Fans can exchange their tickets at a special counter at the green gate at the Bukit Jalil Stadium which will be open on matchday from 12:00 to 19:00 (both local time)."

Malaysia 2 Man Utd 3

Michael Owen secured a 3-2 victory for the Reds in their opening Asia Tour match on Saturday, coming off the bench to fire the winner on his debut against a hard working Malaysian XI.

Sir Alex’s men had earlier taken a 2-0 lead through Wayne Rooney and Nani. Rooney opened the scoring on eight minutes, firing home from close range, and then turned provider for Nani 20 minutes later who finished with aplomb.

A stunning volley on half-time from Mohammed Amri Yahyah gave the hosts hope, before a mistake from Ben Foster seven minutes after the restart allowed Yahyah to grab his second. But Owen wrapped up the win with a cool finish five minutes from time.

In searing heat, the Reds were given a good workout by their enthusiastic and energetic opponents who were only five minutes away from a famous result against United.

Sir Alex picked a strong side for the match against a hugely inexperienced Malaysian side (only four players in their side were over 23), but opted to leave Owen on the bench. With Nemanja Vidic missing through injury, Jonny Evans partnered skipper Rio Ferdinand in central defence, with John O’Shea and Patrice Evra on the right and left flanks respectively. In front of them, Darron Gibson took up a position on the right with Nani down the left. Paul Scholes and Anderson anchored the midfield, while Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov linked up in attack.

And it was the Bulgarian who had United’s first sight of goal after just three minutes. Anderson's ball into him on the edge of the area just rolled under his foot, but after a couple

ANOTHER MATCH FOR MALAYSIA

Manchester United will take on Malaysia on Monday at 8.45pm at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil, it is learnt that efforts to bring Indonesia to play in Malaysia will not materialise.

The event promoters are expected to make an announcement after todays match.

Tickets are expected to be sold half price ..

MATCH LINE UP

MANCHESTER UNITED LINE UP

Edwin Van Der Sar, Patrick Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Nani, Paul Scholes, John O Shea, Johnny Evans, Darron Gibson.

MALAYSIAN LINE UP

Farizal Marlias, Asraruddin Omar, Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha, Shafio Rahim, Amar Rohidan, Indra Putra Mahayuddin, S.Kunalan, Mohd Amri Yahyah, Mazlizam Mohd,

ALL TO GET A CHANCE

Sir Alex Ferguson has promised to give every member of his 24-man squad a decent run-out during United's tour of Asia.The Reds touched down in Kuala Lumpur on Friday ahead of Stomorrow's game with a Malaysia XI at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.

Sir Alex is expecting a tricky first match against an energetic Malaysian side, but says it's the sort of test that will benefit United in the long run."My experience in the past is that the teams we play against are always enthusiastic," he said. "

They run their socks off and that’s what you want in pre-season – it makes you run. That’s the idea, to get that fitness."When I played I remember I needed three or four games to get my lungs right. That’s the main reason we’re here to get ready for the new season."

I’ve got 24 players here and I need to make sure they all get minutes on the clock," he added.

"We also have two games in Munich where one or two others will join us, so I’ll be trying to make sure the team gets some balance. That’s the important thing."And obviously we've lost Ronaldo so we’ll try and find an answer to our wide position. We’ll try a few things out while we’re here."

MAN UNITED CANCELS JAKARTA MATCH

English Premier League champions Manchester United have cancelled the Jakarta leg of their 2009 pre-season tour of Asia as a result of the bomb attacks in the Indonesian capital

A presidential spokesman confirmed that eight people were killed as blasts tore through two luxury hotels - the J.W. Marriott Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel - the second of which the squad were due to stay in for their time in the city.

The club announced the move in a statement on their Web site: "The Directors have informed the Indonesian Football Association (FA) that the Club (Manchester United) cannot fulfil the fixture in Jakarta.

"We are working on a revised itinerary outside Indonesia with the promoters, and will make a further announcement when these decisions have been made.

We are deeply disappointed at not being able to visit Indonesia and thank the Indonesian FA and our fans for their support. Our thoughts go to all those affected by the blasts," the statement added.

The tour of Asia by the Red Devils consisted of four fixtures, starting with a game against a Malaysia XI on tomorrow, with further ties against an Indonesian All Star side on Monday, FC Seoul in South Korea on July 24 and Hangzhou Greentown in China two days later.

It was anticipated the Gelora Bung Karno stadium would be filled to its 88,000 capacity should the game have gone ahead in Indonesia, such is the popularity of the three times European champions in the region.

United manager Alex Ferguson was reported by the British Press Association as saying the explosions were "terrible news" and it was "very disappointing" their friendly fixture had to be cancelled.

"It was a bit of a shock for all of us, we had no other option but to safeguard our players." The Scot went onto say: "We got the news as we landed and it is very disappointing. I have never been to Indonesia before and I know the Indonesian FA have worked very hard on this. "It is terrible news but we have taken what I believe to be the right decision in terms of safeguarding our players,"

United's chief executive David Gill said: "We have taken the appropriate advice. We have met with the British High Commission who are highly experienced in these matters.

"It is not a decision we have taken lightly. We were aware of the situation but we spoke to the right people and received the correct advice,"

INDONESIA TO PLAY IN KUALA LUMPUR

After security concerns forced United to cancel the Indonesian leg of the pre-season tour, Reds chief executive David Gill hinted the scheduled match in Jakarta could be relocated to Kuala Lumpur.

United were due to play an Indonesian Super League XI on Monday 20 July at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium but bombings in Jakarta on Friday morning prompted the club to cancel its trip to the country.
(David Gill and Gary Neville at the Press Conference)
Speaking at a press conference at the team hotel in Malaysia, Gill said: “There are various things we’re looking at. We could bring the Indonesian team here. It’s a possibility and something we’re looking at. We’ll go through all the different possibilities and evaluate which is the most appropriate.“In all probability [the United tour party will stay here in Kuala Lumpur
But there are lots of things to be done before we sort out the logistics for the rest of the week.”

ALEX SOOSAY APPOINTED AS AFC GEN SEC

Alexander Soosay (Pic) of Malaysia was confirmed by the AFC Executive Committee as the new General Secretary of the Asian football governing body on Wednesday.
Soosay, 48, takes over from Dato Seri Paul Mony Samuel whose resignation was accepted by the AFC Executive Committee.

AFC Assistant General Secretary and Director of Education Hasan Al Sabah of Bahrain, 47, has been promoted to the position of Deputy General Secretary.Soosay headed the administration in the capacity of the Acting General Secretary in the recent past when Dato Paul Mony Samuel was recuperating on sick leave

Both the new General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary are respected in football circles worldwide for their knowledge of the game and the practical aspects involved in running it.
Soosay is an AFC veteran, having headed several key departments during his 14-year-long career. The Malaysian has played and coached at the national level and was Executive Secretary of the Negeri Sembilan Football Association before joining AFC in 1994.

Well-known as a hands-on organiser, Soosay was involved in the AFC Asian Cups of 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2007, and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Championship, 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2002 FIFA World Cup

Al Sabah is known for establishing AFC’s Education Policies and ushering in a new era of learning. The former Bahrain national team player holds a BA in Physical Education and a Professional Diploma in Coaching from UEFA/AFC and is a veteran FIFA Course Coordinator and FIFA Coaching Technical Advisor.

Al Sabah joined AFC in 2004 and has risen steadily since then.

ALL SET FOR RED DEVILS

Around 50,000 fans are expected to watch United's first open training session of the 2009 Asia Tour in Malaysia on Friday.

Supporters with special passes will see the Reds being put through their pre-season paces at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil Stadium from 10:30 BST (17.30 local), though this time is subject to change.

Julian Kam, chief executive of tour organisers ProEvents International Sdn Bhd, said: "We would like to encourage fans to come early, to ensure they get to the stadium on time to catch the training."

United play a Malaysia XI at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 10:30 BST (17.30 local). Fans can still buy tickets by calling the Ticketpro hotline on 03-78807999. Only 15,000 tickets are left, priced at RM58 (GBP11), and the match is expected to be a sell-out. Fans are advised to use public transport.

The Reds fly out to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday afternoon and ManUtd.com will have comprehensive coverage of the tour, starting with the travelling party and the latest pre-season photos of the squad.

The Far East trip also takes in Indonesia (July 20), Korea (July 24) and China (July 26). Read all the latest news and features in our dedicated Asia Tour 2009 section.

P/S : Jaiho with Sir Alex Ferguson, during their last visit to Malaysia ..

WHO PAID FOR ZIMBABWE'S TRIP TO MALAYSIA?

AFTER three month's of absence at the local stadium, I went and watched the Malaysian match against Zimbabwe at the Shah Alam Stadium..

Now I am not going to write about, the match it makes no different to me on the scoreline, because I am firm believer that a team's performances can only be measured in a competition and not in a friendlies like these.

I met a few FAM officials and had a chat with them and listened to what they had to say about the entire issue that Zimbabwe is not in Malaysia with it's national team but a club side called "Monomotapa ".

Putting all this aside, my only concern is who actually paid for the trip and who took care of the expenses of the visting team. If it is not FAM, someone should have paid ?

FAM has strongly denied that they have paid any money and infact the Zimbabwe team is actually funding their own expense. But are they so rich to fund their own campaign here. Very unlikely.

"Does it make sense to pay RM 200,000 for this kind of game ? For that amount of money we can host a 4 nations tournament." said the FAM official.

Are the bookies involved ? Could the bookies be bringing such a team to Malaysia ? It is learnt from reliable sources that the agent is from Singapre and he has a very established relationship with the African countries. Yesterday the matches was placed on a few betting companies online. I am certain that FIFA will not be to happy to find out that a club represented the national team.

I just hope that the bookies are no longer involved, because if they are then I can safely say that "Malaysia Football will REST IN PEACE ".

Malaysia 1 Zimbabwe 0

MALAYSIA defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 in their secondly friendly match at the Shah Alam Stadium today.

V.Thirumurugan scored the only goal of the match in the 39th minute. This is Malaysia's second win against the African side, on Sunday the Malaysian side squad defeated them 4-0 at the KLFA Stadium, Cheras.

CHONG WEI 100 PLUS AMBASSADOR

DATUK Lee Chong Wei, was appointed as 100 Plus Ambassador this morning. Congratulations !

GOLF CLUBS IN MALAYSIA KNOWN FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING

This is a story about Fitrah, a young female Indonesian golf caddy who came to Malaysia to change her life. Fitrah left Indonesia in search for a better life for her and her family but only to be locked up and subjected to mental torture. Fitrah was employed by a company that provided caddy services for private golf clubs. She was promised a monthly pay of RM450. But allegedly, the company failed to pay her salary for 18 months -- essentially from the time she entered the country and started working.

She was also under 24-hour surveillance, 7 days a week and wasn’t allowed to go out even during weekends. Her co-workers were subjected to the same treatment.

Fitrah decided to escape from the golf club as she couldn’t take it anymore. She was only asking for one thing, to be sent back to Indonesia. But she couldn’t go anywhere since her passport was held by her employer. With the help of concerned Malaysians, Fitrah is now fighting for her and the rights of her colleagues who are still trapped inside the golf club.

Fitrah’s story is a classic example of exploitation of foreign labour and of human-trafficking. Extreme poverty in their home country make them easy prey for traffickers who shower them with promises of good money that will help lift their families from poverty.According to US Department of State’s "Trafficking in Persons Report”, Malaysia is now blacklisted for not fully complying with minimum standards to eliminate trafficking and also not making significant efforts to prevent trafficking.

A 2005 MOU between the Governments of Indonesia and Malaysia allowing Malaysian employers to hold the passports of its migrant workers, adds to the problem of exploitation; because without their passports and the necessary permits, foreign workers become illegal workers and could be held in detention. This is what foreign workers fear.Despite numerous reports and complaints, there have been no prosecutions of these employers for unlawful detention, exploitation or trafficking.

You can watch the video http://www.malaysiakini.tv/video/17390.html

ANOTHER SCANDAL ?

ZIFA were sucked into an international football scandal on Monday after it emerged they may have conspired to pass Monomotapa as the Zimbabwe national team for international friendly matches with Malaysia.

Monomotapa failed to pitch up for a league match with Highway on Saturday after they left Zimbabwe without approval from the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Malaysia were scheduled to play Liberia in two international A-friendly matches but the FA of Malaysia (FAM) called off the games because the Liberians were not bringing their first team.

An invitation was then extended to ZIFA who sent Monomotapa, with the FAM reportedly picking up the bill.

Monomotapa were hammered 4-0 by the Malaysians in the first friendly on Sunday. They play again on Tuesday.

Local newspapers trumpeted a “rousing win by Malaysia”. The New Straits Times said: “It was just the start a young national side needed under a new coach as Malaysia crushed Zimbabwe 4-0 in an international friendly at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras.”

In a story headlined ‘Malaysia thrash Zimbabwe 4-0 in friendly game’, the news agency Bernama said: “Malaysia ran rings all over Zimbabwe to beat them 4-0 in a friendly at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras here Sunday.”

Malay Mail sports journalist Haresh Deol told New Zimbabwe.com: “We in Malaysia are said to be hosting the Zimbabwe national team for an international friendly match recognised by FIFA.

“When I asked coach Rodwell [Dhlakama] yesterday about the line up being Monomotapa United or the Zimbabwe national team, he insisted it was the Zimbabwe national team and not the club side.

ALL SET FOR RED DEVILS

Manchester United fans will get to see their idols in action when
the team arrives this Friday.

The Red Devils superstars will be attending an open training session at the Bukit Jalil
National Stadium on July 17 at about 5.30pm (tentative time and subject to changes). The
session is open to fans who have the special training passes. Around 50,000 fans are
expected to attend the training session.

Julian Kam, CEO, ProEvents International Sdn Bhd said, “We would like to encourage fans
to come early, to ensure they get to the stadium on time to catch the training.”

The Red Devils will be in town to play against a Malaysian Selection at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on July 18 at 5.30pm. Tickets to the match can still be purchased through the Ticketpro Hotline 03-78807999. The only category of tickets still remaining are the
RM58 tickets. All other ticket categories are sold out, with only 15,000 tickets remaining.
The match is expected to be played to a capacity crowd.

Fans going for the training and the match have been advised to use public transportation to
ease traffic congestion. Please see attached the file with the Monorail routes to the
stadium.

The Manchester United Asia Tour 2009 kicks off in Kuala Lumpur, moves on to Jakarta on
July 20, Seoul, Korea on July 24 and Hangzhou, China on July 26. ProEvents is the
Exclusive Manchester United Asia Tour Organiser.

NIZAR JAMALUDDIN SHOULD NOT QUIT

Former Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said he does not intend to remain as Perak FA president forever and will quit when the time was right.

Nizar said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir's call for him to resign as the president due to the financial situation of the association was unprofessional, especially as the head of a state."I had met Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad last week and briefed him of my stand, position, resources and my limited financial resources to assist the association," he said in a statement

He added that the financial crisis faced by the FA was due to poor ticket sales and arrears in salary of players for June and July."

In my seven months at the helm, I understand that the FA had old debts amounting to RM3 million," he said.On Wednesday, Zambry had urged Nizar to give up the president's post of cash-strapped Perak FA since its financial status was critical and suggested it would be better for someone else to take over the leadership.

Evra relishing Asia return

Bringing joy to thousands of fans on the other side of the world always makes Patrice Evra proud to be a Red.United return to Asia on Thursday for the first time since becoming world champions in Japan in December, and two years after a memorable pre-season trip to the Far East. Evra is looking forward to a similar experience this year."

We have great memories of our last trip to Asia when we won the Club World Cup and it’s always a pleasure to go back," the defender told MUTV. "You feel like you are a pop star when you’re there – the supporters just go crazy wherever we go! "It’s a privilege to represent the club on these trips and it makes you realise that it doesn’t matter where you live in the world, the club is just one big family."

This month's tour takes in four games in four different countries over eight days. As is the norm on pre-season trips, the players will take part in several charity and community events in between the friendlies. "One of the great things about going on tour is being able to visit and meet some of the people from local communities," Evra continued. "

I visited an orphanage on the last tour in 2007, which was amazing. "I love being with children and the kids on that visit really touched my heart. That’s my best memory from the last trip."

A BLESSED BIRTHDAY COACH ...

NATIONAL Coach K.Rajagopal celebrates his 53rd Birthday today, and the year is full with challenges for these former Selangor player.

He had to face many challenges in his career as a footballer and coach since he started being involved in football as a student.

His biggest challenge came when he was unceremoniously dropped as the Selangor coach after the 2000 season.

It was more painful as the former international had steered the Red Giants to the Premier I league title in the M-League. Under Rajagopal, Selangor also qualified for the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup and were quarter-finalists in the FA Cup competition.

And to pursue his coaching career, Rajagopal quit his job as a technician in PKNS and signed up with Kelantan.

“It was a tough and also a risky decision as I had been with PKNS for about 22 years. I have to thank PKNS general manager Datuk Harun Salim for his guidance during that time. Datuk Harun has played a big part in my football career,’’ said Rajagopal.

Being a disciplined and hardworking person, Rajagopal made his presence felt in Kota Baru and won over the Kelantan players as well as the local crowd.

Kelantan finished an impressive third in the Premier League and also qualified for the Malaysia Cup semi-finals.

In 2004, Rajagopal led the National Under-21 team to the quarter-finals in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) championship. The effort was commendable as Malaysia made it to the quarter-finals after 30 long years. He was also the caretaker coach for the national squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Rajagopal has come a long way since he took up football as a schoolboy. As a student of Setapak High School, Rajagopal had represented his school in various age group competitions.
His first club was Cholan Youth, which was involved in the Selangor Football League in 1975. After three seasons, he was employed by PKNS and played for them until 1995.


While with PKNS, it was a another challenge as he had calibre players like the legendary Mokhtar Dahari, R. Arumugam, Santokh Singh and Soh Chin Aun as his team-mates.
“I will always cherish the times I had with them. I was just a rookie and they made me feel at home and encouraged me. I had the opportunity to play along side Mokhtar as a striker for PKNS as well as Selangor,’’ said Rajagopal.

His football career flourished when he was with PKNS. Soon he was picked for Selangor and eventually Malaysia

What was his most memorable moments as a player and coach?

“The 1980 Malaysia Cup final. We were up against Singapore. They had a star-studded side and we beat them 4-0. No one, at that time, could have dreamed of the result. It was a great match and we enjoyed ourselves.

“As a coach, I would remember the award by the AFC. In 2000, I was named as the AFC Coach for the month of August. It was a recognition to the challenges I had gone through in my football career,’’ said Rajagopal.

I have known Rajagopal for the last 12 years, and through the years I have also had the opportunity to meet and spent time with his wonderful family.

His beloved wife, whom I call "AKKA" (Sister) is his number 1 fan, She is always in prayer and fasting, hoping the husband will do well in his duties, she keeps away from all publicity and is most humble human I have known after my wonderful mother,in the deepest moment of life she is there and will always be there for the man whom she stands for.


His elders son K.Ganeson graduates next month with BSc Degree in Forensic Science (University Malaya) while the second son Dheepan is doing his first year in Mass Communication with SEGI College.

As coach, when your doing well the entire community will praise you, but the moment you lose, it's crucifying all the way. Only the Family stands by the You. JAIHO wishes many more blessings, success and good health for K.Rajagopal.



FACT FILE

Name: K. RajagopalDate of Birth: July 10, 1956

Marital Status: Married to M. Chanthra

Children: R. Kanason (23 years) and R.Deepan (20)

Achievements


Player:1975-1977 : Cholan Youth in the Selangor League

1978-1995 : PKNS in the Selangor League

1987-1984 : Selangor in the Malaysia Cup (won the Malaysia Cup six times)

1981-1982 : National Team




Coach
1987-1989 : Kulitkraf1990

PKNS, Selangor Sukma and President Cup squads

1997 :Selangor Gold Cup and Bardhan Cup (Selangor were champions in both competitions)

1998-1999 : Selangor interim coach (Steered Selangor to finish second in Premier II and earn promotion)

2000 : Head coach of Selangor (won the Premier I title, Malaysia Cup semi-finals and FA Cup quarter-finals).

2001- 2002 : Head coach of Kelantan (third in league and Malaysia Cup semifinals in 2001)2003-2005 : Head coach of the national Under-21 team.
2004 : Caretaker coach national team for the World Cup qualifiers2005:
Head coach of national Under-20 team (qualified for the AFC Under-20 final round in India)


Coaching certificates
1989: Football Association of Malaysia preliminary coaching certificate

1990: Football Association of Malaysia advanced coaching certificate

1992: Football Association of MalaysiaA coaching licence

1998: Football Association on German A coaching licence

2003: Asian Football Confederation professional diploma coaching certificate.



ends

WHAT DO YOU SAY FOR THIS PETE?

Dear YAM Tunku,

The OCM's victorious office bearers seem to have taken a new approach to olympic ideals and ethics, judging from the contents of the OCM Highlightsposted on 7th June 09. I am totally disappointed.

Olympism says "accept victory with humility" not "humiliate the losers - and if needs be use generalisations and half-truths to achieve your objective" OCM talks about people bad-mouthing, lying , slandering,and making disparaging remarks against incumbent office-bearers. But people in sport know thatit was certain high profile OCM officials who were doing this.

There are even written materials, e-mails and media releases to this effect, especially from the Hon Sec. In fact the Hon Sec has even said he will destroy anyone who stood in his way. Obviously, OCM's concept of values, ethics and fairplay aredifferent from the IOC's.

During the lead-up to the AGA, I had ample opportunities to "lie, slander and bad-mouth" and also expose a few hidden truths that would have been worse than the lies and slander. I did not do this despite the pressure from several quarters including the media. This was just because I thought it would have reflectedvery badly on your leadership,YAM Tunku, your Deputy's and that of a few other innocent people on the Board. The media was ready to run some juicy stories.

would have reflected very badly on your leadership,YAM Tunku, your Deputy's and that of a few other innocent people on the Board. The media was ready to run some juicy stories. The OCM Highlights boast about the "good track-records, honesty, integrity and dedicaion" of the incumbent office-bearers.

While this may be true of a few of them, the rest have to rely on half-truths, generalisations and exaggerations to boost their achievements. "All the candidates who challenged the incumbents...failed to contribute any or minimum benefits to sports development or the organisations they served." I don't go round boasting about the things that I do ... in fact I never talk about it. But if needs be I can draw up a list for the Board.

Anyway what has the Hon Sec to show after more than 2 decades in OCM and its corridors of power? (For those whom the truth matters, it will be interesting to find out why he was bundled out of ASUM when he was its Sec Gen and what he did when he was pushed out.) You don't have to be a geat psychologist to determine the psyche of the Hon Sec OCM. Anyone can tell you that his is the mind of a DESTROYER not aBUILDER.

He cannot build, he can only destroy. Because he cannot build, he has to destroy what others build so that he can remain OCM's SUPREME LEADERcontrolling everything and ensuring everyone depends on him. He has now become so obsessed and hungry for power that he now uses half-truths and lies to achieve his objective. If that doesn't work, he will shout, scream, fight, quarrel, abuse, etc until everyone either agrees with him or runs for cover includingsome members of the Board! The OCM's new rules and definitions on ethics, values and fair-play are certainly okay as we are now clear how the game is to be played.

It will now mean that the bad-mouthing, slandering and mud-slinging will also be directed at the OCM. There may be no holds barred and a lot of people can be dragged to the mud. Its ok with me. I am not very high above the mud and my fall will hardly make a splash. I don't even consider myself news-worthy. It will certainly not bethe same for the OCM leaders sitting on the high pedestals of national and international bodies ... IOC, CGF, OCA, NSAs, etc. This is not a threat by anychance.

But I am disappointed,sad and angry about what the OCM has become. Instead of becoming more and more indifferent, let's hope that the OCM leadership takes control and acts responsibly. Let's hope that we use the IOCconcept of ethics which is built round JUSTICE, HONESTY, RESPONSIBILITY AND BENEFICIENCE, and not what is being practiced by the DSKC school ofmanagement.

Thank you for your patience.

M.P.Haridas

SELANGOR TO WIN THE MSL TITLE ?

A former bookie yesterday claimed he had suspectedfootball players could be throwing matches as bookies began giving oddson the games last year. The ex-bookie, who wanted to be identified as Lau, said bookies werewarned off giving "hang cheng" (handicapped odds) on local footballmatches in the mid 1990s, following the crackdown on match fixing bypolice and the Anti-Corruption Agency.

"Today (yesterday), I read in the newspapers that several players havebeen detained for match fixing and several more are being investigated. "I believe the numbers should be a lot higher than that, and that thereshould also be players from other teams besides Sarawak and Police. "I saw it coming a while back as I had noticed, since last year, thatlocal league matches and cup ties had been offered by the bookiestogether with the usual English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, ItalianSerie A, German Bundesliga and some others," said the businessman, in his50s.

He said the present situation was a little different from when he wasinvolved in illegal betting years ago, as the use of the Internet nowplayed a major role. "There is hardly any use of a `555' notebook anymore as most puntersrely on their notebook computers to access their betting accounts. "That means bookies no longer need to frequent coffeeshops or otherwatering holes to do business. "And I am not just talking about illegal betting accounts with illegalbookies as local soccer is now good enough to be offered betting odds byregistered or licensed international bookmakers."

Lau said recent checks on one of the betting websites owned by acompany, regulated and licensed by the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom,revealed handicapped odds being offered on the Malaysian FA Cupquarter-final matches. Meanwhile, Terengganu Football Association vice-president Shaikh AhmadTajuddin Shaikh Yusoff said enough irregularities in team performancesand results were found in almost every team competing in local leagues in the past few years to warrant investigation.

"But finding proof of match fixing was difficult. "The most we, in management and administration, could do to thesuspected players was to slap them with fines or suspension ontechnicalities or disciplinary grounds. "Then again, when it comes to match-fixing, we cannot just pointfingers at the players as the match officials could be on the take tomake decisions in favour of one team. "But without proof, all we can do is speculate," he said.

Shaikh Tajuddin said if some big clubs in European leagues andinternational players who earn big money could be found guilty ofmatch-fixing, it should not be difficult to think that local playerscould also succumb to temptation. "The key here is not to dangle a carrot in front of a horse. The bestway to avoid such circumstances in this case is by teaching players andmatch officials about the perils of match-fixing or better yet, bycompletely removing betting elements from the local games," he said.

By Christopher Raj; Alang Bendahara; Dennis Wong; Suganthi Suparmaniam
Published by NST : 26th April 2008

THANK YOU MR CHUA

To Hon. SecretariesNational Sports Federations

Dear Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. As you know, I have been the Director of the National Olympic Academy (NOA) of Malaysia for more than 15 years. I have been conducting Olympic Academy Sessions every year for the last twelve years and many of you have been sending participants to the academy very regularly.

Some of you who have sent really good participants have been fortunate enough to have your candidate selected to represent Malaysia at IOA in Olympia, Greece or for the many other trips to USA, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Turkey, etc.

I have been also conducting more than 45 IOC Olympic Solidarity Sports Administration Courses for officials and coaches all over the country. Many of you may have attended these courses. I have enjoyed teaching and sharing with you my knowledge and experience. I hope you enjoyed it as well and I hope you gained from the experience.

I hope you enjoyed it as well and I hope you gained from the experience.I would also like to mention that I have also initiated the establishment of the Nilai UC – OCM scholarship for former and current national athletes. Through this programme, Nilai University College currently offers 5 scholarships per year for athletes who meet the entry requirement of MQA.

Many former athletes like Carol Lucia (Track & Field), Loke Teng Kee (Volleyball), Harwinder Singh (Archery), Senathiraj (Cricket) Eng Chin Wai (Taekwondo), Daniel Lim (Sailing) and Leong Zhi Weng (Chess) have benefitted from this scholarship scheme.I wonder how many other OCM Committee have done this much for athletes and young leaders for their tertiary education.

I shall now have to give up my involvement in the NOA as the OCM feels that at 64 years I am too old to run the academy! Of course, other Directors of Academies all over the world are mostly in the 70s. But then, as you know OCM is a young Council and does not have “oldies” in its ranks!The OCM has also decided to ask all NOAs, to submit nominations to replace me.That is OK with me, but I hope you will give your nominations serious choice.

Remember that it is for the Director of the Academy. He should be strong in sport and have a strong academic background with a clear understanding of Olympism, Olympic values and Olympic education. He must also have strong organisational and presentation skills.In the NOA we established a succession plan some years ago.

As I am too old to continue as Director (according to OCM Board) I would like to suggest that Dr. Leo Ann Mean (he is about 60 years) be nominated to succeed me.Dr Leo has been actively involved with the Academy from the beginning. He is an outstanding educationist. He was Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, University of Malaya and is Adjunct Professor for a number of foreign universities in Malaysia. He has written many books and lectured at international conferences and seminars.

He was also a good athlete (represented Malaysia in Fencing in the SEA Games) and a former Hon. Secretary of the Malaysian Fencing Association. He will ensure that the Academy will continue to do the good work it has been doing – in fact I believe he will take it to greater heights. Please say ‘No’ to political appointments and nominate someone who has the capacity to make Malaysia proud.If I am too old at 64 to be the Director, then I believe the OCM will consider my Secretary, M.P. Haridas also too old to hold the post he has been holding from the very beginning.

He is already 71 (born in the same year as Dato Sieh Kok Chi, the Hon. Secretary of OCM) so he must be too old. The succession plan for the Secretary of the NOA has also been in place for some time. Our plan was to groom Dr Shamala Subramaniam of MWHA to take over as secretary as soon as she was ready.

An educationist attached to University Pertanian Malaysia, a former National hockey player, the current MWHA Secretary and outstanding NOA participant who received special recognition from the IOA, I believe she will be a great choice!The choice is entirely yours but please make wise choice for the future of the Academy and Malaysian sport.For more information on the appointment of the NOA Director, you can read a special feature “Pierre De Coubertin of Asia” by Joe Marcose posted on 17 June 2009.

Kindly read and give comments from his blog: http://www.joemarcose.blogspot.comOnce again I would like to thank you for all the support that was given to me all these years and I hope that we will have the opportunity to work together in future projects.


Best wishes,

CHUA AH TOK
Director (1994-2009)
National Olympic Academy of Malaysia

GET GOING WITH THE MERDEKA TOURNAMENT FAM !

THE Sports Minister has have given green light for athletes to travel, which means FAM can surely take the cue and organise the Merdeka Tournament which is schedueld for next month. I was told the actual reason for the cancelatation has nothing to do with the Influenza A virus. It's FAM's financial standing has contracted the H1N1 Virus.

While FAM President Sultan Ahmad Shah, has always claimed that the national association has strong financial support, the recent activities in the building, does not justify that statement.

According to a realiable source, sometime in October 2008 certain amount money was taken out from the players retirement fund without the knowledge of the players, it will be interesting to see if the amount taken has been deposited back. All those of you who have retired, can you go and collect your money!

Read the story below on Shabery Cheek's statement in the star today.

It’s the green light for our athletes looking to compete overseas.
In spite of the threat of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said that athletes were free to travel – as long as they are aware of the risks.
“We will give them the choice. If they are not willing to take the risk, we will respect their decision.

“But at the moment, the ministry is still sending out athletes,” he told reporters after attending the Cheer 2009 national cheerleading competition here yesterday.

“The decision was made after consulting the Ministry of Health.

“They warned that should our athletes travel overseas, there will certainly be risks.”
He added that the virus “shouldn’t be an obstacle” for athletes since various international competitions have already gone ahead.

“There’s been the Wimbledon (tennis championship), the US Open (golf) and the Confederations Cup (football).
“Many people might have contracted the virus, but the risk isn’t too big.”

The minister also commented on business tycoon Ananda Krishnan’s reported bid for English football club Newcastle United.

He called it a “business decision” and hailed the move.

“We should be proud if it really happens that a Malaysian is involved in such a huge transaction.
“It’s not impossible, and I hope it goes through. I hope it can have a big impact on the development of Malaysian football,” he said.

THE MAN WHO WANTS TOON ! FAM TO WANTS HIM ...

A RECLUSIVE Malaysian billionaire has jumped to the head of the queue to buy Newcastle.
Media mogul Ananda Krishnan is closing in on a deal to end Mike Ashley's nightmare two-year Toon reign - and hopes to make an announcement early next week.

The £95million deal for the club represents loose change to the 71-year-old, who is South East Asia's third-richest man worth £4.5billion.

Other consortia remain in the running to buy the crisis club. But after making the first significant move in the drawn-out sale, Krishnan is the favourite to take control after meeting Ashley's drastically-reduced asking price - almost £40m less than the sportswear tycoon paid in 2007.

The owner-in-waiting is believed to favour Alan Shearer to be the club's manager.
Like Ashley, Krishnan has kept a low profile as he has built up a powerful business portfolio which includes major interests in oil, entertainment, telecoms and shipping. Over the years, he has donated millions of pounds to charities and a source said: "Mr Krishnan shuns public exposure and likes to keep a low profile for someone of his stature."

Figures have yet to be confirmed but a significant kitty would be made available for Shearer to use in the transfer market. THE SUN

CAN WE LEARN SOMETHING FROM INDONESIA ?

Indonesia's soccer chiefs are to clamp down on clubs after a shambolic season during which teams played without home grounds and rules regarding coaching qualifications were flouted.

All Super League clubs for the 2009-2010 season will need to have a proper home ground, professional management, an under-21 squad and a fully licensed head coach, the Indonesian League Body (BLI) said.

"There will be no wandering clubs for next season ... we will not compromise," BLI director Joko Driyono said.

"We'll start verifying clubs in August, and we hope it will be done by the end of the month," he told the Jakarta Globe.

Joko said that if a club failed to meet Super League requirements, a second tier club might take its place.

The Indonesian league will also institute the Asian Football Confederation's "3 plus 2" rule for foreign players in the Super League.

Three of each club's five foreigner spots will be open to players of any nationality. If a club wishes to fill either of the other two spots, those players must come from an AFC member nation.

Player agent Eddy Syahputra said he was not enthusiastic about the new rules.
"It's quite hard to find Asian players (who want to play in Indonesia) as the leagues in other countries, like Vietnam and Thailand, are better organised," Eddy said.

"I prefer the old regulations as it's much easier for me to find players, but regulations are regulations.

Malaysian consortium given Newcastle tour

The race to buy Newcastle was hotting up today as rival consortia responded to a formal bid from a Malaysian group

Press Association Sport understands the party of businessmen from Malaysia, who were shown around St James' Park and the club's Darsley Park training headquarters during a flying visit to Tyneside yesterday, have tabled an offer.

It is understood that offer does not equate to current owner Mike Ashley's £100million asking price and may be nearer to £80million, but that the prospective buyers are prepared to take on a working overdraft of up to £40million.

However, while the Malaysians have put themselves in the driving seat and are now favourites to launch a successful takeover, their move has prompted several of the remaining consortia to step up activity with matters seemingly reaching a head.

An America-based group has been among the front-runners for some time - and representatives are said to have visited the training ground earlier this week - while former chairman Freddy Shepherd, the Profitable Group from Singapore and would-be investors from Oman and South Africa have been heavily linked with the club.

Only the Profitable group have acknowledged their interest, and that before they, like all the serious contenders, signed a non-disclosure agreement preventing them from talking about the ongoing negotiations.

But there was never any formal timescale for buyers to contact investment bankers Seymour Pierce, who are handling the sale on Ashley's behalf, and there was always the possibility that someone could make a late run to reach the head of the field.
Indeed, there were suggestions today that a European investor had joined a race which seems at last to be entering the final stages.

Whether or not the Malaysians have made the decisive move will become clearer over the weekend, although until they - or indeed anyone else - signs a sales purchase agreement, the club will remain up for grabs.

However, sources close to the deal are hopeful the formalities could be completed by the middle of next week to end a saga which has proved one of the most damaging in the club's eventful history.

Whoever the new owners are, their first priority will be to appoint a manager with the players already back in pre-season training.

An increasingly frustrated Alan Shearer has been waiting in the wings after initially hoping to be appointed by Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias within days of the end of last season- soccernet.com