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-
posted by pollyneedsacracker at 1:51 pm
2 Comments:
I think that M'sian players in general need to go back to basics. Especially learning to defend in an aggressive and tough but yet not dangerous way. Our referees are still not confident when making decisions on the court. Many of them are not open to suggestions after the matches saying they have been refereeing for many years. There have also been incidents where referees have lost control of the game and fights have broken out during matches, with no consequences to the aggressor after the incident.
Also, most goals come from long range shots. There is seldom any movement in the build-up. If playing by international standards, these long range shots can be neutralized very easily.
I hope I do not come across as demeaning in any way. It is just an observation after having the opportunity to experience handball at a higher level overseas. Playing in M'sia, I am very hesitant to go all out in a game b'cos M'sians can't differentiate between tough defense and dangerous defense.
I have to agree with you that much has been done to promote the sport. Hopefully this will continue.
I'm M'sian and am proud to be one.
I feel our M'sian team needs an established coach ( I do not see any M'sian ready for the task as yet ) to build up a team over a period of time and to oversee the refereeing situation as well. With incentives for the players who will be asked to sacrifice their time.
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