A blog on track and field

K. Jayabalan, Rose and Harun Rasheed Othman, a schoolboy champ in the quartermile and now coaching the men's sprint team

Datuk Dina Rizal, the man who made famous the slogan Malaysia Boleh and Prof Datuk W.Y. Chin, loose cannon's fellow Leo

Some of the athletes based at HPTC Asia in Bukit Jalil

Rajasegram of Johor and Negeri Sembilan's Chinnethamby

When Danyal inspected the HPTC in Bangkok in late 2002, loose cannon was there, snooping around

The guest of honour, Datuk Yasin Salleh, was given the bag

Loose cannon does not suffer fools easily when it comes to track and field. Although the guardians of the sport seem to be perpetually in battle mode, loose cannon has not given up on the discipline that remains the highlight of any multi-sports festival.

But loose cannon becomes cynical if one suggests the internal bickering in Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) is over. The officials might share the same meal, be seated at the same dining table and share the same stage but their differences, are, unfortunately, irreconcilable.

Those who have suffered from loose cannon's endless supply of ammunition included Datuk Khalid Yunus, Karim Ibrahim, S. Rajasegram, S. Vegiyathuman and Musa Noor Mohamad. But it was refreshing to note at least Karim, Rajasegram and Musa could be seen together at the same function.

All four were at the IAAF High Performance Training Centre (HPTC) annual dinner at Istana Hotel on Thursday. The guest of honour was the Sports Ministry's Secretary General, Datuk Yasin Salleh. Also present were National Sports Council director-general, Datuk Zolkples Embong and former MAAU deputy president, Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah.

But even if they claim MAAU can now be called 1MAAU in the spirit of 1Malaysia, loose cannon thinks it's hogwash. Nonetheless, loose cannon salutes their willingness to bite their tongues and accept criticism in the right spirit, much like the big guns at FA of Malaysia (FAM).

By the way, we should all welcome http://mytracknfield.blogspot.com to the blogosphere. See for yourself who is behind the blog.

Meeting Annuar

At Eastin Hotel, Nov 4, 2009, 10.15pm

Loose cannon was a rookie reporter when Annuar Musa took charge of the Sports Ministry. Fate had it that one of loose cannon's guiding lights at Berita Harian, Rahime Yusoff, was made Annuar's press secretary in 1992.

Rahime had a real flair for writing and mentored loose cannon on the choice of words that could create the desired impact in a story.

Last night, after chasing him for three days, loose cannon finally managed to get Tan Sri Annuar to speak on football, Manchester United, FA of Malaysia (FAM), Kelantan and the Malaysia Cup final, of course. Watch this space.

Indra's day

At one time, Indra Putra Mahayuddin was considered the shining star of Malaysian football.

Blessed with a pair of clean heels, mazy dribbling skills allied with a mean streak, Indra was picked by Englishman Allan Harris as the individual most suited to withstand the rigours of the English league.

In 2000, Indra was one of the brightest sparks in Harris' national Under-19 squad. Harris' assistant then was B. Sathianathan, who is looking forward to his first Malaysia Cup final on Saturday.

While the microscope fell on France-based Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, Indra proved to be a genuine matchwinner, with his two goals against Singapore in the AFF Cup in Singapore in 2002 remaining etched in our minds.

His move from Perak to Pahang did little to enhance his reputation. Dropped by Bertalan Bicskei and later embroiled in allegations of drug abuse, Indra seemed to have pushed the self-destruct button.

This season, the 28-year old made the bold decision to move to Kelantan. He is set to captain Kelantan to the Malaysia Cup final, proud to set foot on the National Stadium as the Most Valuable Player of the 2009 season.

PRESS RELEASE INDRA PUTRA GRABS A DOUBLE AT 100PLUS-FAM NATIONAL FOOTBALL AWARDS PETALING JAYA (4 November, 2009): International striker Indra Putra Mahayuddin took both the award for the Best Striker and also the Most Valuable Player of the season in the 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards 2009 which was held at the PJ Hilton Hotel this afternoon. The 28-year-old, who led Kelantan to the FA Cup final earlier this year and who will also be captaining the side to the Malaysia Cup final this Saturday night, took home two crystal trophies and the prize of RM3,000. “It is an honour to win and certainly it has given me a boost for the Malaysia Cup final this Saturday,” said Indra, from the team training base in Kota Bahru. “I would like to thank the 100LUS and the FAM for coming up with the awards ceremony as this will push players to better themselves not only on the field but off it.” Indra was selected as the best player of the year by a judging panel which comprised of representatives from the Malaysian Coaches Association, the media and the FA of Malaysia (FAM). And Negeri Sembilan, who will be playing against Kelantan in the final of the Malaysia Cup, also have a winner of their own when Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak was selected as the Best Defender. “The awards ceremony is our way of supporting excellence on the field,” said Datuk Kamal Harun, National Corporate Affairs Manager F&N Coca-Cola (M) Sdn Bhd. “And with the change in selecting winners through a judging panel, I believe that this year’s winners are truly deserving of the accolade.” Added Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad, the general secretary of the FA of Malaysia: “We have always been of the view that players need to be recognised for their effort. And we would like to thank 100PLUS for our strong collaboration in making this event an annual calendar.” Selangor, who won the treble this year with their win of the season opening Charity Shield, the FA Cup and the Malaysian Super League crown, saw head coach K. Devan taking the prize as the Best Coach while Mohd Amri Yahyah emerged as the Best Midfielder. The Klang Valley side was also chosen as the Best Football Association. Farizal Marlias, who have been a pillar of strength not only with Perlis but also for Malaysia at the international level, was chosen as the Best Goalkeeper while Mohd Muslim Ahmad from Harimau Muda was selected as the Most Promising Player. And following the absence of the award for Best Foreign Player, the introduction of a new award which is for Best Club went to Johor FC as had been expected. The award for the Best Club was decided by the FAM as was for Best Football Association with the Best Fan Club award going to KL PLUS FC. The 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards is among several football programmes and competitions supported by 100PLUS, Malaysia's leading isotonic beverage. The others include the 100PLUS Super Cup Champions School and the Ministry of Education League Cup (MELC). 100PLUS is recommended by the National Sports Council. 100PLUS-FAM NATIONAL FOOTBALL AWARDS 2009 - Winners BEST GOALKEEPER - Farizal Marlias (PERLIS) BEST DEFENDER - Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak (NEGERI SEMBILAN) BEST MIDFIELDER - Mohd Amri Yahyah (SELANGOR) BEST STRIKER - Indra Putra Mahayuddin (KELANTAN) BEST COACH - K. Devan (SELANGOR) MOST PROMISING PLAYER - Mohd Muslim Ahmad (HARIMAU MUDA) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Indra Putra Mahayuddin (KELANTAN) BEST FAN CLUB - KL PLUS FC BEST FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION - Selangor BEST CLUB - Johor FC

Condolences to Beng Hai and family

National coach Tai Beng Hai's dad passed away following an accident in Taiping yesterday. Read
here. Beng Hai is currently in Invercargill, New Zealand, trying to negotiate a smooth passage for his team in the World Cup qualifiers involving China, Scotland, Wales, Austria and the host country. To Beng Hai and family, our deepest condolences.

Of Ronaldo, Ghaz, Jay and Anderson

Dasey (right) and Jay

Catch FourFourTwo on Astro SuperSport 811 tonight as it features Jason Dasey's exclusive interview with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dasey travelled to the Spanish capital, Madrid recently for a tete-a-tete with the Portuguese megastar for exclusive access on FourFourTwo, airing Tuesday, 3 November and Tuesday, 10 November, 9pm. The interview touches on his new life in Madrid, his thoughts about his old club Manchester United and Portugal’s World Cup chances.

Lee Choong Khay, Head of Sports Business of Astro, said:

"This is testament to our objective in being the No. 1 choice for sports content, where we try to bring football fans more than just the latest news and updates. We are constantly finding ways to offer our viewers the best in sports through exclusive interviews and interactive fan segments. I believe that fans of FourFourTwo can start looking forward to more exclusive access interviews and excitement as the show is now a one-hour programme."

Fans can also look forward to the Stadium Astro Sokker Safari segment which will feature football fans from different clubs in the studio each week to be interviewed by co-host and Mix FM DJ, Jay Menon. Loose cannon's former colleague at the Malay Mail, Ghaz Ramli, was one of three invited for last week's programme.

Jay meanwhile was featured in the cover of FHM, where she revealed one Manchester United player tried to hit on her during the club's visit to Kuala Lumpur in July!

And that player was...

Tell us! Who was it?!

Piala Malaysia milik Kelantan akhirnya?

Kerja tangan Epiq

Dari kelate.net.

Final Piala Malaysia Sabtu ini bertuah kerana dihiasi Kelantan, seperti yang aku ramalkan sejak awal musim sama ada di kaca televisyen, di atas kertas mahupun di blog ini.

Kalaulah pertemuan ini membabitkan Terengganu, sudah tentu peminat bola sepak kedua-dua negeri berduyun-duyun memeriahkan majlis.

Aku memang mengharapkan salah satu mara ke final. Bukan apa sangat, aku tahu peminat-peminat mereka fanatik dan sentiasa berdiri di belakang pasukan. Kalau boleh setiap inci stadium akan diisi.

Generasi yang lahir pada 40-an dan 50-an sudah tentu diulit nostalgia. Sama ada mereka dari Kelantan atau tidak, di bibir mereka meniti nama seumpama Mohamed Che Su, Dali Omar, Hamzah Hussein, Wan Zawawi Wan Yusoff, disusuli generasi Nik Fauzi Hassan, Kamaruddin Mohd Noor, Mohd Noor Yaakub, Yassin Noor, Salim Mahmud, Wan Anizan Daud, Hashim Mustapha dan Zahasmi Ismail.

Persinggahan aku ke Kota Bharu atas nama tugasan sekitar 1993-95 menjadikan aku rapat dengan Mahadi dan Zahasmi. Zahasmi antara sweeper yang diminati oleh Claude Le Roy yang menyifatkannya sebagai tenang tapi baran.

Tenang tapi baran...macam mana iya? Tenang dalam mengawal benteng dan bijak mengeluarkan bola dari zon bahaya tapi baran apabila situasi tidak memihak kepadanya.

Kota Bharu banyak memberi kenangan manis. Lagipun aku mengagumi bola sepak Kelantan. Anak jatinya menggabungkan kekentalan dan skil. Betapa ramai anak Kelantan yang mewakili negara satu ketika dahulu. Nik Fauzi, Kamaruddin Mohd Noor, Salim Mahmud, Yassin Mohd Noor, Zahasmi sudah tentu sukar ditembusi. Wan Zawawi, Hamzah Hussein, Wan Hassan, Mahadi, kecil tapi berbisa, Mohd Noor Yaakub sentiasa panas di penjuru kiri dan Hashim Mustapha pemburu gol. Seterusnya Zami Mohd Noor, Zulkifli Abdullah dan Zamri Mohd Nor.

Ditambah pula perencah asing seperti Marco Kraljevic, Alex Freeman, Boonphup Praphut. Ingat lagi kontroversi penswastaan KDSB, Zaid Ibrahim dan bekas presiden KAFA, Wan Hashim?

Boonphup Praphut

Sambil menghitung hari ke final, banyak angle dalam membikin story. Kalau aku masih di arus perdana, antara topik yang harus dinukilkan:

Halim Napi - gembala lembu kepada wira

Halim Napi dan kembar Abdul Radzak - bergaduh tapi kini berdamai menjelang final

Di sebalik tabir presiden KAFA - Tan Sri Annuar Musa - pelari STAR dan UTM, Menteri Belia dan Sukan dan menyemat impian menerajui FAM

Datuk Seri Utama Mohamed Hasan, MB Negeri Sembilan - pernah menyarung jersi Universiti Malaya dan Melayu Negeri Sembilan, saudara kandung kepada bekas pemain NS, Ghani Hasan

Presiden NSFA

Presiden KAFA

Baca previu final Piala FA lalu yang aku coretkan di sini dan laporannya.

Biarpun kadangkala ramalan ku tersasar, aku memilih Kelantan menaiki pentas kemenangan Sabtu ini. Maaf rakan senegeriku, Wan Jamak.

Ingat lagi aku menghantar Wan Jamak ke Lapangan Terbang Subang dengan menaiki Suzuki Swiftku. Ketika itu dia jurulatih pasukan kebangsaan!

Aku tidak dipengaruhi sentimen kenegerian. Bagi aku, Kelantan berhak menang! Itu saja.

Marco Kraljevic (facebooknya)

Doakan Nadzmi

Kita berdoa agar Presiden Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Salleh, yang kini ditempatkan di wad rawatan rapi di Hospital Apollo, Chennai, India selepas diserang sakit jantung pagi tadi, sembuh dan selamat menjalani rawatan. Keadaan Pengerusi Proton Holdings itu diberitakan stabil. Klik di sini dan di sini.