rexy yet to quit

SO whats the real story Rexy??

National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky was quoted by a newspaper claiming he quit after the dissapointing performance by Koo Kein Keat-Tan Boon Heong in the Malaysian Open on Thursday night.

However, checks revealed Rexy was merely toying with the idea and if he quits in Malaysia, he'll quit badminton for good.

The national association and the National Sports Council have not received any letter from Rexy over the said resignation.

Many believe there is no proper communication between Rexy and certain players. Badminton Association of Malaysia's secretary Gangga Rao plans to talk to Rexy today, so let's see what the outcome is.

Just another drama in the small world of badminton.

-The Man Who Sold The World-

some people just can't catch up

CLASSIC example to how even the nation's so called leading newspaper aren't leaders after all.

The Star is the number one English daily in the country, yet its stories - from the front page to its sports pages (local and foriegn) are all filled with stale news.

Taking today's edition as an example, their front page story about the missing five-year-old Sharlinie Mohd Nashar were The Malay Mail and Sinar Harian's front page story a day earlier.

Their EPL stories are often two days later than what is reported in The Malay Mail or prominant online sites while their local stories are a month old!

The Malay Mail reported former Singaporean international Noh Alam Shah (pic above) will play for Super League outfit Police on Dec 27, 2006 while The Star only broke the news today.

Even after acquiring rights from UK's leading tabloid The Sun, it is doubted The Star will be able to lead - content wise that is.

Sadly in the paper business, the adverts matter most.

-The Man Who Sold The World-

takraw blues

THE Sepak Takraw Association Malaysia (PSM) is courting more issues then winning tournaments these days.

First it started out with their non participation of the the 24th SEA Games last month no thanks to the usage of a new ball, Marathon Gen II (left) introduced by the organisers.

Their decision received the lambast by many quarters - from the Malaysian Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said to even the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF) who have decided to penalise PSM's president Ahmad Ismail.

Now, they are trying to dimiss talks of a 'racist' constitution.

A 'concerned sport lover' highlighted the issue to major dailies. Sadly it never saw publication as most editors deemed it to be 'very sensitive'.

Among the contents of the e-mail include..."What took me by surprise was article 13.10 of its Constitution which read ‘Semua Ahli Majlis Tertinggi dan setiap Pegawai dalam Persatuan hendaklah terdiri dari Bumiputera Warganegara Malaysia’.

The Constitution was last reviewed with amendment by the Sports Commissioner (SC) on 4.10.2006. It was also approved for circulation by its President Dato’ Haji Ahmad Ismail and its Secretary General Haji Arshad Haji Yahaya on 4.10.2006."

It must be noted PSM later clarified the issue saying they have ammended the Article to 'Semua Ahli Majlis Tertinggi dan setiap Pegawai dalam Persatuan hendaklah terdiri dari Warganegara Malaysia'.

Even SC Elyas Omar acknowledged it was clarified and that it was a non-issue since it happened two years ago.

The question remains, why was the word Bumiputra included in the first place?!!

Note: The 'concerned sport lover' MTA secretary T.Kumar and Elyas Omar do not share similar views no thanks to the deregistration of MTA sometime ago. Hint, hint..you get the picture?

Better expectations in 2009?

A reader and fellow blogger had recently commented on the handball scene in the country.

Having been keeping tab on the sport for quite some time, it is indeed refreshing to note much has been done to promote the sport which is widely played in schools, varsities and even teacher's training colleges but yet not by the general public.

Both the handball, mens and womens, teams clinched the bronze medals during the 24th SEA Games in Thailand last month. Despite the rather small number of participating countries, credit ought to be given to the national side, especially having full time mother's within their stable.

Malaysian Handball Federation secretary Ng Num Thiam is looking towards a memorable Laos 2009 SEA Games outing. No harm in being bullish but it is time for the national body to look at the bigger picture. Either fight for proper funding from the National Sports Council or get serious in bringing in proper sponsorships to aid the team's quest.

It's difficult relying on part time trainees to represent the nation. Also, the national handball players resemble as 'volunteers' as they are not paid a single cent for their services.

Monetary issues aside, it is the pride of playing for the country that matters. Handball is such a noted sport and sadly KL could be placed on the map of the world if not for the rather unrealistic demands by the Asian Handball Federation in KL's possible hosting rights of the 2009 Croatia World Championship Asian Qualifying rounds.

MaHF have promised the Youth League will start end of Febuary while the National League sometime in May.

The national teams have got to be serious in their tasks if they want to earn any form of respect. Otherwise, they will just make up the numbers of the next regional Games.

Pic: Players in action during the 2007 National Handball League - pic by creamcrackers

-The Man Who Sold The World-

same ol' shit, brand new year!

THAT'S what New Year's is all about.

While most Malaysians ushered in the year with a bang, Health Minister Datuk Chua Soi Lek is now paying the sins of his bang sometime ago after declaring he was the 'person in the video' potraying him having intercourse with another woman claimed to be a 'personal friend'.

Also, the country's oldest English daily The Malay Mail is in for a ride of its life with its posible new owners (Blue Inc) yet to ink the deal.

The Altantuya case is still going on, serving observers nothing but a big yawn. Elections are around the corner and street rallies could be an in thing in weeks to come.

Sports hasn't been great either with the current attention solely focused on badminton to deliver a possible medal in the Beijing Olympics this August... a doubtful scenario given the fact China would be keen to make a clean sweep in their backyard. Perhaps cycling could steal the thunder.

So let's just sit back and witness what is instored for us in 2008....Happy New Year from us at creamcrackers!