Iman Gobinathan Abdullah looked forlorn when asked, “What’s happening to our hockey?”
The former international was a member of the Malaysian team that qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics – the last time the national team graced the “greatest show on earth”.
Since then, there has been one disappointment after another. But Gobinathan insisted we must be patient before things improved.
“There are many reasons, but we must accept that our standards have declined. We have to reset and get a good development plan going if we are to return to the Olympics,” he said.
“For one, there are now more competitive teams. It won’t be easy to earn a qualifying ticket.
“Not that it was easy during my playing days. I feel we have some good players. We have a new national coach (Sarjit Singh) in the hot seat, so we must give him time.”
Gobinathan said the national body must take stock of the situation and up its development game.
“The future is in the grassroots. If we can start producing more players, it will give us a bigger pool of players,” said the former national women’s assistant coach.
“I’ve been a player and am now a coach. I know Malaysia has many talented players, but somehow, we have not been producing the results.
“I hope Bukit Jalil Sports School can start producing national players.”
Last week, Gobinathan and several other Olympians visited BJSS to motivate the students to ‘Be The Next Olympian’, an initiative of the Malaysian Olympians Association (MOA).
MOA president Noraseela Khalid invited Gobinathan and several other Olympians – Lee Hup Wei (high jump), Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli (sprinter), and Phee Jinq En (swimmer), and Asian Games gold medallist Qabil Ambak Mahamad Fathil (equestrian), to speak to the students.
“I love talking to the future generation. I hope the people MOA invited can motivate or inspire the students to become future national athletes,” said Gobinathan.
“I told the students to make a list of what they hope to achieve, and to stick it on a mirror.
“It is something they have to look at each morning. They need to visualise and remind themselves that nothing is impossible,” he added.
‘SPORT MY ART’ TO EMPOWER ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES
Avenue K Shopping Mall is hosting the ongoing ‘Sport My Art’ group art exhibition at Above @ Level 4 until Aug 4.
The exhibition features 22 special needs and disabled artists, showcasing their talent and creativity. The event promotes inclusivity within the art community and raises awareness of the challenges faced by artists with disabilities.
Curated by artist Philip Wong, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey of hope and determination, drawing inspiration from the Olympics.
It also pays tribute to Malaysia’s athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. All of the sales proceeds will go directly to the artists, supporting their financial independence.
TENANG FEST
Tenang Fest is happening tomorrow, Aug 4, at Alleywood, The Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya.
Join them anytime from 10am-8pm for a day of beginner-friendly fitness sessions. Just put on the provided headphones and enjoy unlimited classes!
You can book your preferred session and join others on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy lucky draws, freebies, and light refreshments.
