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| April 12, 2003 | Saturday | Safar 9, 1424 |
FIH accepts Indian federation’s explanation
NEW DELHI, April 11: The Executive Board of International Hockey Federation (FIH) has accepted explanation offered by Indian Hockey Federation for its inability to take part in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament at Ipoh last month following a Government directive.
The board, at its meeting in Athens last week, noted that decision to stay away was essentially on account of players security after crackdown by police in Malaysia on 270 IT professionals that triggered a diplomatic row between the two Governments.
India withdrew from the tournament hours before departure of team on advice of Ministry of Sports in response to an advisory from Ministry of External Affairs.
There was disappointment both in IHF and Malaysia over decision to stay away after making preparations for over two months. In fact, IHF had worked on two stages, first putting players through a tough commando training and then into intense coaching and playing sessions for another month.
FIH Secretary Peter Cohen in a communication to The Hindu newspaper before the meeting had indicated that FIH indeed was disappointed that a major outfit like India had to pull out after confirming participation. He said such happenings caused lot of embarrassment to the host andforced organising unit to sustain financial loss apart from pushing it to re-organise fixtures, etc.
By that time, I had received letter of explanation from Indian Hockey Federation which the Board accepted. IHF had received advice from Indian Government that it would not be safe for Indian team to travel to Malaysia.”
A report in The Hindu said now that chapter on Aslan Shah episode has been closed, it is time IHF informed the Ministry problems faced by national teams from host and International Federations for non-clearance in final hour.
The Ministry must be made aware of the penalties that the national federation would be subjected to if such decisions are taken causing immense disappointment to players who sweat it out day and night in training camps for bringing laurels to the country.
The Indian team faced the threat of a fine upto Euro 2000 for withdrawing at the eleventh hour.
Meanwhile, Malaysian hockey skipper S. Kuhan and Amin Rahim will head for South Korea on Saturday to train under Korean coach Jeon Jae-hong.
The Koreans have become a world hockey power by putting a huge emphasis on fitness, and the two Malaysians will join their training camp for two weeks (April 12-26) to get into shape for July’s Champions Challenge in South Africa.
Fitness was one of the main reasons why Malaysia did poorly in the recent Azlan Shah Cup. When Korean coach offered the Malaysians a chance to train with his team, the management decided to send Kuhan and Amin.
While Kuhan’s place in national squad has always been secured (he is best penalty corner flicker in the country today), Amin has seen more downs than ups since making his debut with national side in 1999 Brunei Sea Games.
Capped 40 times, Amin persisted and fought his way back into the national squad, and subsequently helped Malaysia to the bronze at Busan Asian Games. It was Malaysia’s first medal at the Games after lapse of 12 years.
“Busan Asian Games is very special to me because that is highest level of hockey I have played. Winning bronze is a memory I will always cherish,” he said.
This is the first time Malaysians will train with Koreans although national team have undergone Korean style of training before.
In 2001, they had training stint in Korea under former Korean coach Kim Sang-ryul.—PPI
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