Hope: The Light That Keeps Humanity Moving Forward

The word hope is perhaps one of the most meaningful words in the English language. Its origins can be traced to the Old English words hopa and hopian, which convey trust, confidence, and the belief that things will eventually turn out well.

Although hope is invisible to the human eye, it is immensely powerful. It cannot be touched, yet it strengthens hearts, inspires dreams, and gives people the courage to rise after every fall. Without hope, life can become empty and directionless. With hope, however, even the darkest moments carry the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

In many ways, hope is the very foundation of humanity. Civilisations progress because people believe in a better future. Families remain united because they hope for peace and happiness. Individuals continue striving because they believe their dreams can become reality.

My friend, Madam Yasotha Selvarajah, beautifully captures the spirit of hope in her poem titled Hope. The poem’s greatest strengths lies in its honest and simple expression of the essence of life itself.

" Hope"

It is all we have.
Do not let it slip....
It is all
We may ever have.

Giving us the chance to dream....
Due to the possibility
Of materialisation
Of that very dream.

Have faith in it....
From the deep depths within you.
What is there to life
Without ever-present hope?

Cling on
With a determination
To succeed, at least
To hold onto hope.

For then,
Nothing can shatter you,
Nothing can depress you,
Nothing can overcome you.

You'll accept life
For what it is.
You'll challenge life
For what it has to offer.

You'll cherish life.
You'll embrace life.
You'll live life
As best as you can.

The poem speaks with remarkable simplicity yet carries profound meaning. It reminds us that hope is far more than wishful thinking. It is the emotional and spiritual strength that enables human beings to continue believing, striving, and living with purpose.

One of the poem’s most powerful qualities is its honesty. It does not deny the existence of pain, disappointment, or hardship. Instead, it teaches acceptance, resilience, and appreciation for life itself. To “cherish life,” “embrace life,” and “live life as best as you can” may well be among the greatest lessons anyone can learn.

These lines capture the true essence of hope. When a person holds firmly to hope, life is no longer seen merely as a burden to endure, but as a journey to appreciate, experience, and live fully.

Madam Yasotha Selvarajah concludes the poem with quiet wisdom: hope ultimately teaches us not only how to survive life, but how to truly live it.

Thank You.

The Power of Observation and Reflection

Recently, I had the privilege of conversing with an eminent man. In the midst of our discussion, he shared a realisation that struck me deeply.

“One fine day,” he said, “I suddenly realised that what I had been doing for years and years was completely absurd.”

Surprised, I immediately asked, “How did that realisation come about, Sir?”

He smiled and replied, “That day, I had the rare opportunity to sit back, observe, and reflect while someone else was doing the very work I had been doing all my life. As I watched from a distance, the truth simply bloomed within me.”

His words instantly reminded me of Sir Isaac Newton and the famous apocryphal story of the falling apple. The story goes that Newton was sitting beneath an apple tree when an apple fell to the ground, inspiring his discovery of gravity.

Yet gravity had always existed around him. Every single day, he witnessed its effects — even in the simplest acts of life, such as urinating, where the flow naturally falls downward because of gravity. But familiarity often blinds us to the obvious. It was only in that quiet moment of observation and reflection beneath the apple tree that the realisation fully dawned upon him.

Isn’t that how life often works?

Sometimes, the answers we desperately seek are not hidden in distant places. They are right in front of us, silently waiting for us to slow down long enough to notice them.

But modern life rarely allows such pauses. We live in a world driven by speed, noise, deadlines, routines, and endless distractions. Most people wake each day only to repeat the same cycle — the same thoughts, the same habits, the same reactions.

And when life becomes nothing more than routine, discovery slowly fades away.

True realisation often comes not when we are busy doing, but when we step back and begin observing. Reflection creates clarity. Distance creates perspective. Silence creates understanding.

Perhaps that is one of life’s greatest ironies — the truths capable of transforming our lives are often the very things we encounter every day, yet never truly see.

So pause once in a while. Step away from the noise of routine and give yourself the space to observe with a calm mind.

For sometimes, the most life-changing discoveries do not come from finding something new, but from finally seeing what has always been there.

Thank You

Dari Malaysia ke Indonesia: Perjalanan Kejurulatihan Luar Biasa Coach Dharma

Coach Dharma-Detik yang penuh kenangan

Dalam dunia sukan, kehebatan sebenar tidak diukur semata-mata melalui trofi atau pingat, tetapi melalui keupayaan untuk mengubah pasukan, memberi inspirasi kepada atlet, dan meninggalkan legasi yang merentasi sempadan.

Bekas jurulatih hoki Malaysia, Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah sekali lagi membuktikan mengapa beliau berada dalam kalangan jurulatih terbaik Dunia selepas dinobatkan sebagai Jurulatih Terbaik Indonesia di Game Changer Award 2026 pada 10 Mei 2026.

Sebagai Pengarah Teknikal dan Ketua Jurulatih program hoki kebangsaan Indonesia sejak awal 2020, Dharma Raj telah membawa hoki Indonesia ke tahap yang belum pernah dicapai sebelum ini. Di bawah bimbingannya, Indonesia meraih pingat emas Sukan SEA berturut-turut dalam hoki dalam dewan lelaki, termasuk kejayaan bersejarah di Sukan SEA 2023 dan Sukan SEA 2025, di mana Indonesia sekali lagi menewaskan Malaysia — satu detik simbolik yang mencerminkan kebangkitan luar biasa hoki Indonesia di peringkat rantau.

Apa yang menjadikan kejayaan ini lebih mengagumkan ialah perjalanan di sebalik pencapaian tersebut. Ketika Dharma Raj mula tiba di Indonesia, negara itu masih mencari konsistensi, struktur, dan pengiktirafan dalam hoki Asia. Melalui perancangan teliti, disiplin latihan yang tinggi, dan komitmen tanpa berbelah bahagi terhadap kecemerlangan, beliau berjaya mengubah pasukan tersebut menjadi kuasa baharu yang mampu mencabar pasukan terbaik rantau ini.

Kejayaannya tidak dibina dalam masa singkat.

Bermula di Jawa Barat sebelum mengambil alih pasukan kebangsaan, Dharma Raj memberi fokus kepada pembinaan sistem pembangunan yang mampan dengan penekanan terhadap pembangunan pemain, disiplin taktikal, kecergasan fizikal, dan kekuatan mental. Pendekatan beliau mendapat penghormatan bukan sahaja daripada pemain dan pegawai, tetapi juga daripada pihak lawan di seluruh Asia.

Ketika menerima anugerah Jurulatih Terbaik itu, Dharma Raj menyifatkan pengiktirafan tersebut sebagai bukti dedikasi, ketahanan, pengorbanan dan visi jangka panjang. Di sebalik setiap pingat dan sambutan kejayaan, terdapat bertahun-tahun tekanan, cabaran, dan detik sukar yang ditempuhi dengan keyakinan terhadap proses dan cinta terhadap sukan ini.

Mungkin yang menjadikan kisah beliau begitu luar biasa ialah tidak ramai jurulatih yang mampu meraih pengiktirafan tertinggi di dua negara berbeza. Pernah menerima anugerah Jurulatih Terbaik Malaysia pada tahun 2013, dan kini Jurulatih Terbaik Indonesia pada 2026, kerjaya Dharma Raj menjadi contoh luar biasa kecemerlangan yang merentasi sempadan negara.

Lebih penting lagi, perjalanan beliau membawa mesej yang kuat kepada semua jurulatih, atlet dan pemimpin muda: kejayaan milik mereka yang berani membina, bertahan dalam kesukaran, dan memberi inspirasi kepada orang lain untuk percaya kepada visi yang lebih besar.

Kisah Coach Dharma bukan sekadar tentang kemenangan — ia tentang membina manusia, membentuk keyakinan, dan mengangkat sebuah negara melalui dedikasi, kepimpinan dan tujuan yang jelas.

Terus belajar. Terus berkembang. Terus memberi inspirasi — kerana apabila jurulatih berkembang, pemain juga berkembang, dan apabila pemain berkembang, sesebuah negara turut bangkit bersama.

Semoga berjaya, saudara.

Terimakasih

From Malaysia to Indonesia: The Remarkable Coaching Journey of Coach Dharma

Coach Dharma-a memorable moment

In the world of sports, true greatness is not measured solely by trophies or medals, but by the ability to transform teams, inspire athletes, and leave behind a legacy that transcends borders.

Former Malaysian hockey coach Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah has once again proven why he belongs among the finest coaches in the world after being named Indonesia’s Best Coach at the prestigious Game Changer Award 2026 on May 10,2026.

Serving as Technical Director and Head Coach of Indonesia’s national hockey program since early 2020, Dharma Raj has elevated Indonesian hockey to unprecedented heights. Under his leadership, Indonesia captured consecutive SEA Games gold medals in men’s indoor hockey, including historic triumphs at the 2023 Cambodia Games and the 2025 Bangkok Games, where Indonesia defeated Malaysia once again — a symbolic moment that reflected the remarkable rise of Indonesian hockey on the regional stage.

What makes this achievement even more inspiring is the journey behind the success. When Dharma Raj first arrived in Indonesia, the nation was still searching for consistency, structure, and recognition in Asian hockey. Through meticulous planning, disciplined preparation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he transformed the team into a formidable force capable of challenging the region’s elite.

His success was never built overnight.

Beginning with West Java before taking charge of the national setup, Dharma Raj focused on establishing a sustainable development system centered on player growth, tactical discipline, physical conditioning, and mental resilience. His methods quickly earned admiration not only from players and officials, but also from rivals across Asia who witnessed Indonesia’s rapid transformation.

Receiving the Best Coach award, Dharma Raj described the recognition as a reflection of dedication, resilience, sacrifice, and long-term vision. Behind every medal and celebration were years of pressure, challenges, and countless moments of perseverance that he overcame with belief in the process and passion for the sport.

Perhaps what makes his story truly extraordinary is that very few coaches can claim top coaching recognition in two different nations. Having previously received Malaysia’s Coach of the Year award in 2013, and now Indonesia’s Best Coach award in 2026, Dharma Raj’s career stands as a rare example of excellence that transcends nationality and borders.

More importantly, his journey sends a powerful message to every aspiring coach, athlete, and leader: success belongs to those who dare to build, persist through adversity, and inspire others to believe in a greater vision.

Coach Dharma’s story is not merely about winning titles — it is about building people, creating belief, and lifting a nation through dedication and leadership.

Keep learning. Keep evolving. Keep inspiring others — because when a coach grows, players grow, and when players grow, a nation rises together.

All the best, brother.

Thank You

Belgium’s Rise to Hockey Supremacy: A Blueprint for the Modern Game

Before 2008, the Belgium hockey team was not considered a force at the world-class level. That changed when they qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, finishing 9th—an important first step back onto the global stage.

Four years later, at the 2012 London Olympics, Belgium made a significant leap, finishing 5th. It was more than just an improved ranking—it was a signal that a new contender was emerging.

Their steady rise during these Olympic cycles reflected a deeper transformation. By 2010, Belgium had climbed from 25th in the world rankings to join the elite tier of international hockey—a remarkable ascent built on vision and structure.

The Turning Point

To truly understand this rise, we must look at the setbacks that shaped it.

Belgium failed to qualify for both the 2006 and 2010 Hockey World Cups. Rather than a collapse, this period became a catalyst for change. By the 2014 Men's Hockey World Cup, Belgium returned to finish 5th—an emphatic statement of progress.

At the same time, their Olympic journey showed clear upward momentum:

9th place in 2008

5th place in 2012

They further announced their arrival by finishing runners-up at the 2015–16 Men’s FIH Hockey World League Final, narrowly losing to Australia.

Behind these results was a deliberate and well-executed long-term vision. Following their 2006 setback, Belgium committed to a structured development pathway with a clear objective: to become an Olympic medal-winning nation by 2016.

The Breakthrough and the Birth of a Golden Generation

Belgium didn’t just reach their target—they redefined it.

🥈 Silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics

🥇 Gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

🥇 Champions of the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup

🥇 Winners of the 2019 EuroHockey Championship

🥇 Champions of the 2020–21 FIH Pro League

And they have continued to remain among the world’s elite:

🥈 Silver medal at the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup

🥉 Bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics

This era was driven by world-class individuals such as Arthur Van Doren, Vincent Vanasch, and Thomas Briels, under the guidance of visionary coach Shane McLeod.

Together, they transformed Belgium from underdogs into one of the most consistent and dominant forces in modern hockey.

Club Success: The Engine Behind the Rise

Belgium’s dominance did not begin at the national level—it was built from the ground up through its clubs.

KHC Dragons set an early benchmark by reaching the Euro Hockey League 2012–13 final, finishing as runners-up. It was a defining moment that proved Belgian clubs could compete with Europe’s best.

Clubs such as Royal Leopold Club consistently challenged in European competitions, while Royal Herakles Hockey Club and Orée Hockey Club played a crucial role in developing elite talent.

The Belgian domestic league evolved into one of Europe’s most competitive environments, attracting international players and raising performance standards across the board. This high-performance ecosystem ensured that players were constantly tested, refined, and prepared for international success.

The Foundation of Excellence

At the heart of Belgium’s rise lies a clear philosophy: development begins at the club level.

Young players are nurtured through structured systems that emphasize:

Technical excellence

Tactical awareness

Physical conditioning

Mental resilience

Backed by strong governance and investment, Belgian hockey aligned its clubs, coaches, and national programs under a unified vision. Players gained exposure to top European leagues and brought that experience back into the system, creating a continuous cycle of growth.

A Model for the Future

Belgium’s rise is no accident—it is the result of clarity, commitment, and a deeply rooted club culture.

From missing World Cups to standing atop the Olympic podium, their journey offers more than inspiration—it provides a blueprint.

A blueprint that proves success is not built overnight, but engineered through systems, sustained through structure, and ultimately defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Coaching the Introverted Child: A Journey of Patience and Understanding

Coaches involved in development programs are bound to encounter children who are introverted. The term “introvert,” introduced by the eminent psychologist Carl Jung, describes individuals who are often preoccupied with their inner thoughts and feelings, preferring minimal interaction with the external world.

At its core, the word “introvert” reflects a simple idea—the tendency to withdraw from the world.

When a coach meets such a child, the first instinct should not be to convince or compel them to change. Instead, the coach must learn how to become the child’s friend. This is no easy task, as introverted children do not form connections easily. However, once an introverted child begins to see the coach as a friend, something remarkable happens—the learning process truly begins.

Many introverted children are shaped by their environments. Parents, peers, coaches, and even hostile surroundings can influence their personality. In many cases, excessive pressure from parents—driven by ambition, fear, or unrealistic expectations—pushes the child further inward.

Coaches, therefore, have a responsibility beyond the field. They must gently educate parents, helping them understand how constant pressure, shouting instructions from the sidelines, and forcing early participation in high-level competitions can confuse and stress the child. What parents perceive as guidance may, in reality, be psychological strain.

"Patience, empathy, and affection are the coach’s greatest tools—and often the most overlooked." 

In the early stages, an introverted child may avoid drills and hesitate to participate in matches. This is not defiance—it is protection. Coaches must respond with encouragement rather than criticism. Praise small successes. Offer guidance without judgment. Build confidence step by step.

Often, when an introverted child makes a mistake, they look at the coach with fear—expecting anger or disappointment. This reaction is usually rooted in low self-esteem. In such moments, the coach must remain calm and composed. A simple smile and gentle correction can do more than any harsh instruction.

Over time, the change will be visible. The child will begin to engage, participate, and even enjoy the game—provided there is no pressure.

Equally important is creating opportunities for social interaction. Team dinners, outings, and shared experiences outside the field allow introverted children to understand and trust their teammates. Gradually, they begin to open up. As relationships strengthen, their confidence grows—not just socially, but also in their performance.

Ultimately, the bond between the introverted child, the coach, and teammates transforms the learning environment. The child no longer feels isolated but becomes part of a collective journey.

In the end, coaching an introverted child isn’t about changing who they are—it’s about creating a space where they feel safe, understood, and valued. Growth happens naturally when a child is not pressured, but supported. Simply put, it’s about building an environment that gives the child the confidence and freedom to shape their own future, at their own pace.

Because when trust replaces fear, even the quietest child finds their voice.

For a coach, this journey is invaluable.

Thank You

From Beginners to Bronze: Myanmar’s Beautiful SEA Games Journey

I was taken by surprise when I received an email inviting me to coach Myanmar’s women’s hockey team for the 27th SEA Games in Yangon. From my earlier experience in the country, I knew one thing—there were no established women hockey players. Curious, I replied to ask if such a team even existed. The response was immediate: there were many girls in training, eager to learn.

Though hesitant at first, I accepted the challenge, encouraged by a friend, and arrived in Yangon with a simple intention—to learn as much as I would teach.

What greeted me at the training ground was a stark reality. The players lacked basic skills, pace, and confidence, both on and off the ball. With just seven months to prepare, the task ahead was daunting. We began with the fundamentals—hitting, slap hitting, and pushing—while building fitness through weekly runs around Kandawgyi Lake.

But skill development alone would not be enough. When I spoke to the players, most of whom came from farming backgrounds, their motivation was simple: they wanted to be part of the SEA Games, a historic occasion for Myanmar. There was no talk of medals or victory—only participation.

That was the moment I knew we had to redefine our purpose.

I introduced a program called “A Beautiful Journey to the SEA Games.” Every effort was celebrated—a beautiful pass, a beautiful shot, a beautiful attempt. Training became a space of joy, learning, and belief. Slowly but surely, the transformation began. Within three months, the improvement in their skill, speed, and confidence was remarkable.

A crucial turning point came during a 40-day training and competition stint in Bangkok at the Asian Challenge Cup. Facing stronger opponents, we endured heavy defeats. Yet, the experience proved invaluable. It tested our resilience and exposed the challenges of communication, especially across language barriers.

For a foreign coach, mastering the local language is a vital asset. Communication is not just about words—it carries tone, emotion, and intent. These nuances are often lost through translation, making it harder to build genuine connection with players.

Upon returning to Myanmar, preparations intensified. A structured 12-week training- matches against men’s teams, and focused work on penalty corner defence strengthened the squad. By the time the SEA Games began, the team was no longer just participating—they were competing.

With little external pressure, the players embraced the tournament with freedom and determination. After a challenging group stage, they advanced to the bronze medal match against Singapore.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, the team delivered a disciplined and spirited performance to secure a historic 1–0 victory. As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted, and fans poured onto the pitch in celebration.

At the medal ceremony, I stood quietly, overwhelmed. True to my promise, I stayed to witness that moment. As the players received their medals, tears of joy flowed freely—not just for the victory, but for the journey that brought them there.

From a group of beginners to SEA Games bronze medalists in just seven months, their achievement was extraordinary.

More than medals and matches, these young women taught me the true meaning of resilience, self-belief, and dignity.

It was, in every sense, a beautiful journey.

Thank You

Where Joy Begins, Champions Grow

Imagine us as two friends in a stadium, watching a game between youth teams with children aged 12 and below. Seeing them run with joy, express their skills, and show their unique quirks is pure delight. It reminds us: development is not about control—it’s about nurturing a child’s inborn passion.

When children are passionate, lack of concentration or boredom rarely arises. They are fully engaged, immersed in the moment, and enjoying every second. But when boredom sets in, learning stops. Over time, children disengage, leave the sport, and seek excitement elsewhere. This may explain why youth sports today face high dropout rates, and why even those who stay in elite programs often struggle to reach world-class levels.

From my experience as a coach, a child’s development can be divided into two phases: ages 0–16 should be learning-oriented, and from 17 onwards, performance-oriented. Sports like gymnastics or swimming may require earlier specialization, but the principle remains: each stage demands a different approach.

During the learning phase, children need an environment filled with fun, curiosity, and excitement. Learning begins when the mind is happy. When we’re happy, the body releases dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin—what my sister Ragini calls “happy chemicals.”

In adolescence, the focus shifts. Athletes must align with structure, expectations, and performance goals. Sustaining passion is key: a passionate brain keeps growing, and a coach’s first responsibility is to coach the mind.

Winning is satisfying, but for a development coach, true success lies in watching players grow—in their values, character, education, and humanity.

Observe babies: they fall, get up, and try again without fear. They see failure as learning, not defeat. This natural growth mindset—the joy of learning, not just winning—is the foundation of success in sports, business, or academics.

Science backs this up: the brain is like a muscle, growing stronger with use. Neural connections multiply with challenge. The more a child learns, the more the brain develops.

Yet coaches face pressure. Environments often prioritize results: outcomes are public, performances are judged, and wins matter. But this pressure should not define a coach’s purpose. The focus must remain on teaching skills, encouraging practice, and fostering improvement.

Sport reflects life. Lessons in perseverance and resilience become tools for navigating challenges. Children are our future, and as development coaches, we must learn alongside them. Excellence in a program unlocks infinite potential; mediocrity limits it.

Thank You

Note: some of the above facts were sourced from the book written by Carol S. Dweck Ph.D.: Mindset-The New Psychology Of Success.

Parents: The First Coaches Of Champions

Many years ago, a survey conducted by the USA Olympic Council among medalists from the 1956 Melbourne Olympics to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics asked a simple yet powerful question: Who was the greatest motivator behind your success?

The majority pointed to their parents. Others credited their coaches, and some their friends.

Though the survey was conducted decades ago, its message remains timeless—parents play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s journey in sport.

We have all come across inspiring success stories of athletes, and more often than not, behind their triumph stands a parent who believed, guided, and sacrificed.

One such powerful example is the story of two of the world’s greatest tennis champions, Venus and Serena Williams, as shared in the book Bounce by Matthew Syed.

Their parents, Richard and Oracene Williams, had never played tennis. Yet, that did not stop them. Determined to give their daughters a chance, they learned the game themselves—just so they could practice with them.

Richard, driven by a bold vision, immersed himself in learning. He studied training methods, watched videos of top players, read extensively, and even consulted coaches and psychologists. Despite living in an economically challenged environment, Richard and Oracene created a space where discipline, belief, and possibility could thrive.

Venus once said of her father: "My father worked hard to build our technique. He was innovative, and our training was full of fun and excitement. It made us want to be at practice even before he arrived."

Recognising their daughters’ potential, Richard invited renowned coach Rick Macci to observe them. Impressed by their talent and athleticism, Macci welcomed them to train at his academy in Florida. The rest, as we know, is history.

An interesting aspect of their journey is that Richard also chose a sport that offered strong professional opportunities—showing that vision, when paired with planning, can shape not just passion but also future security.

However, the role of parents extends beyond the field. Many young athletes who specialise early in sports may drift away from academics. This is where guidance becomes crucial. Education must not be neglected. In particular, mathematics deserves attention—it sharpens thinking and opens doors to knowledge and opportunity.

The world our children grow up in today is vastly different from the past. There was a time when open fields were playgrounds and sport was the primary source of joy. Today, children are surrounded by malls, screens, video games, social media and endless digital distractions competing for their attention.

As environments change, so do desires.

A child, however, remains what it has always been—a flame waiting to be lit.

Every experience, every word, every influence shapes that flame. And at the center of it all stands the parent.

A child is like a candle—full of potential, yet waiting for light.

Parents, be that light.

Thank You

Note: improvise from earlier article on this blog

Why Malaysian Hockey Is Losing The Mental Game

A few years ago, I took my nephew to a colouring competition at a nearby mall. He was thrilled—colouring was something he truly loved. The environment, however, was chaotic: children screaming, loud music blaring, shoppers moving around. Yet, for three hours, he remained completely absorbed in his work.

Watching him, I realised something fundamental—when passion exists, the brain naturally locks into focus.

This is not just an observation; it is psychology.

What we often call “a lack of concentration” is, in reality, a lack of emotional engagement. The brain focuses effortlessly on what it finds meaningful. When passion is present, attention flows naturally. When it is absent, the mind wanders.

So when we constantly tell athletes to “concentrate,” we may be missing the real issue. Focus is not the problem—motivation, emotion, and connection are.

This brings us to Malaysian hockey.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has invested heavily in international expertise to raise technical standards. This is commendable. But performance at the highest level is not driven by technique alone—it is driven by the mind.

Sports psychology teaches that elite performance relies on three mental pillars: intrinsic motivation, emotional regulation, and attentional control. Training sessions can teach technique. Coaches can demonstrate skills. But the brain only truly learns through repetition fueled by internal desire. Without this, learning remains superficial.

I experienced this myself preparing for the 1991 Olympic qualifier. I struck thousands of balls, focusing on the mechanics of my penalty corner hit. Yet real improvement only came when I developed mental control—calmness under pressure, clarity in execution, emotional stability.

From a psychological perspective, this is the shift from conscious effort to automatic execution. Skills reside in implicit memory. Under pressure, the brain either retrieves these skills seamlessly—or disrupts them through anxiety. A tense mind tightens the body, and timing and precision vanish. A calm mind lets the body do what it already knows.

This is why composure is not a “soft skill”—it is a performance skill.

And here, our system is falling short.

We are producing players who are physically trained but mentally made dull. Players who rely on external instruction rather than internal drive. Players who perform well in controlled settings but crumble under pressure.

External rewards cannot replace intrinsic motivation. In fact, over-reliance on them can weaken the brain’s natural drive—a principle well established in motivational psychology. The world’s best athletes are driven not by rewards, but by mastery—a deep need to improve, refine, and excel consistently. 

Consistency is mental, not physical. And inconsistency, now the hallmark of our national team, reflects psychological instability: fluctuating confidence, poor emotional control, and fragmented focus.

If this continues, we face more than a performance problem—we face a developmental crisis.

Young players often enter the system full of motivation, but without the right psychological environment, that initial spark gradually fades. When pressure is applied without purpose, it leads to burnout; when structure exists without meaning, it breeds disengagement. This disconnect helps explain the rising attrition rate. Thousands of young athletes have passed through programmes like Sukan Teras, 1MAS, and the National Hockey Development Programme, yet true development is not measured by numbers alone—it is ultimately defined by mindset

Have we built mentally resilient players?

Have we nurtured intrinsic motivation?

Have we put in place a growth mindset environment?

Resilience, intrinsic motivation, perseverance and growth mindset are not imposed-they are cultivated. And they are born from one source-a genuine love for the game.

 Love what you do—that is the highest form of excellence.

For years, I have said we are “so close, yet so far.” Today, I fear something worse—that we are becoming mentally unprepared for the level we aspire to reach.

If this is not addressed, the Olympics dream will be lost—not for lack of talent, but because we failed to understand the most powerful organ in human performance: the brain.

The brain controls the body.

There is a saying: two people can look at the same stars and see different things. From where I stand, Malaysian hockey is not just stagnating—it is regressing psychologically.

Thank You

Note: The above article is revised and updated from earlier writings on this blog

Seek Knowledge-Happy Deepavali

May the light be upon you

Due to COVID-19, your freedom to celebrate this festival of lights is restricted to contain the spread of the pathogen. Your movement can be restricted, but not your brain. In challenging times like these, the brain works wonders, unfortunately, not in a positive sense but a negative one: fear. You are living in fear of contracting the virus, your livelihood, your children's future, political stability, etc.

Out of fear of this uncertain time, you hope to find answers to the many questions that impinge on your mind now. Fear only breeds fear, and it further darkens your journey in life.

What your mind needs now is a light that will give the silver lining that will obliterate this darkness; this light is none other than "knowledge," as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "The antidote to fear is knowledge."

Knowledge begins in wonder but has no end, and it is never complete as we humans keep on evolving to find ways to live a healthy and prosperous life. To put it simply, knowledge is a journey and not a destination. In essence, good and bad are part of knowledge, and it depends on how you apply it in your life.

For my dear and wise friend, the Late Mr V.M. Chandran, knowledge gained from life is for the betterment of "mankind" and not to exploit "mankind." He was an avid reader and had excellent observation skills.

Mr. V.M. Chandran's belief was that when you are blessed with knowledge, you should be the light that will light up others' lives. He is a man who shares the wisdom of great sages. Gaining knowledge is the first step to wisdom. Sharing is the first step to humanity.

Every festivity has its meaning that we can apply in our lives, and Deepavali, the festival of lights, symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance; encapsulating all these, it comes down to one: knowledge. "The first end of life is knowledge; the second end of life is happiness. Knowledge and happiness lead to freedom," the wise words of Swami Vivekananda.

Be Safe. Take Care

 

Thank You

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a Safe Raya-Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

This year, Hari Raya celebration will be different from previous years. We need to comply with the Movement Control Order(MCO). No interstate travel and only 20 people are allowed in one house. Stay Safe!

There will be less fun for kids as they will miss their balik kampung journey and their relatives and friends in the kampung. They will remember this year for the rest of their lives and will share it with their future generations.

For the grandparents or parents in the kampung, they will certainly miss their children and grandchildren. Hari Raya is one of the times of the year when they can spend their precious time with their loved ones. All is not lost as with the invention of modern technology, i.e smartphone, FaceTime, Facebook, etc, you can still celebrate Raya virtually.

Wishing all Muslims a Selamat Hari Raya celebration. May you and your family be blessed with wisdom, prosperity, joy, and good health.

Take Care.




Thank You

VM Chandran-A True Friend by Syed Akhbar Ali

Mr VM Chandran,Tuan Haji Baharuddin Dato Mokhsen and Mr Woo Choon Chow

Well it is certainty not easy to write something like this.Our human psyche is more tuned to accept the passing of elders who have advanced in age.But when our peers leave us there has to be more deliberateness in accepting it.

I want to say that Mr VM Chandran was a nice man.He was a good person.In the local parlance he always had a "niat yang baik" or good intentions.

Having known him almost 22 years and having spent hours at a stretch with him discussing everything from business,family,politics,government,country,
society,economics,the Americans,Indians,Japanese and everything else under the sun I came to understand him well.

In the adage 'reading maketh a full man" seeks a good example that would be Mr Chandran. He was well read therefore knowledgeable.Conversations were easy and enlightening because there was always a reference to facts and information that had been properly written somewhere.Aristotle who was a student of Plato became a teacher to Alexander the Great.Alexander and Aristotle discussed that they could not implement Athenian democracy in all societies.Each society had to find its own level.

The intense reading habit also helped at work where Mr Chandran carefully read every single document and contract that came before him.'We must read'he would say.'We must know the details'.Do not let others tell you what is in the document.Hence Mr Chandran could navigate through a diverse portfolio of businesses.

His vast reading habit even made him well versed about health care issues which did benefit many people who had need of advise on health care.Mr Chandran even wrote a series of useful articles about private health care which I carried in my blog.The articles elicited much discussion and comment and perhaps effected some reaction upon the private medical health sector.

By nature he was kind unto many people,especially those who needed help.He really went out of his way to help people.Passing is finality.It is a reminder to cherish the time that we have.Mr Chandran would have agreed.And laughed about it too.

A Tribute To Mr. V.M.Chandran-The Man With A Golden Heart

 Madam Yasotha Selvarajah and her soulmate Mr.V.M.Chandran 

My friend, Mr. V.M. Chandran, was not born on a bed of roses, but he turned his life into a beautiful rose. The fragrance from this rose pervaded and touched many lives during his lifetime. He is a simple man who is shy of power, position, title, and fame but a great man in his own way.

Chandran's life journey began in darkness. When he was barely two years old and not aware of the world around him, his father passed away, leaving him and his three-year-old sister Malar in the hands of his mother. Life was challenging, and there was a time the family stayed in a room on the first floor of a shop lot in Seremban. His mom, a woman of strong willpower, brought up the family single-handedly.

Chandran found his mother to be a tremendous source of inspiration as he pursued success in life. Through unwavering perseverance and determination, he successfully completed his tertiary education at King George V (KGV) in Seremban and went on to become a qualified Chartered Accountant and Lawyer.

From an early age, Chandran's household name among family and friends was "Gandhi." He was truly a "Gandhian" in spirit. With open arms, he will lend a hand to encourage someone and even counsel them in their time of need. He never made a fuss about meeting and helping anyone.

He was a man with extensive knowledge and wisdom in several fields. Walter Lippman, the American writer, once spoke of men who plant trees that other men will sit under. My friend was such a man.

Chandran married his beautiful sweetheart, Yasotha Selvarajah, and the couple is blessed with five handsome boys: Vishven, Srishti, Rahulan, Govind, and Jairaj. Together, with love, care, and attention, the couple educated their children to become leaders in their respective fields.

Chandran holds education close to his heart. He believes that education is essential, but he emphasises that virtues are equally important in shaping a person. According to his philosophy, knowledge gained from education should be used to benefit mankind, not to exploit it.

Despite his busy schedule, he always found the time to call or visit his friends and former teachers from KGV in Seremban. And since I had moved to Seremban from KL, we will meet occasionally for lunch and then proceed for tea. I cherished this get-together and always looked forward to our next meeting. 

In fact, we were supposed to catch up on Jan 22, which sadly didn't materialise with the passing of Chandran on the 20th of Jan.

 

Over the many years I knew this wonderful man, he always prioritised his family and made it clear that they mattered most. He would keep me informed about his son's academic progress while they were in the UK with his wife and later when they started their careers.

And without fail, every year on Jan 25th, my friend murmurs to me, "Enbaraj, today is Yasotha's birthday. Chandran's love for Yasotha is immeasurable." Truly, they were born to be soulmates.

The last 18 months of his life were undoubtedly the most challenging time. He was undergoing treatment at the hospital, but this didn't stop him from living life to the fullest. He continued to do what he loved: visiting family, friends, and teachers from KGV, and making his yearly pilgrimage to Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati.

His greatest joy was spending time with his beloved grandson, Jayce Chandran, Srishti's son. Whenever I speak to him on the phone, I can hear the sound of Jay playing in the background.

When I visited Chandran at his home recently, I saw him playing with his grandson. His eyes were filled with joy, and it reminded me of the saying that eyes are the windows to the soul. It felt like I saw a sense of freedom in my friend's eyes, which reminded me of a beautiful poem shared by his soulmate, Yasotha Selvarajah, in her WhatsApp status. The poem goes, "There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask, 'What if I fall?' Oh, but darling, what if you fly!".

When I saw my friend for the last time, resting in peace, my heart quivered for a second as if a part of me had left me. I was trembling for a moment. Then, after regaining my composure, I thanked the Great Lord for giving us this man with the golden heart and asked Him to take good care of him.

The beautiful rose may have departed, but its fragrance will endure in our memories forever.

 

"I will truly miss you, my beloved friend and brother."

 

 

Thank You.

 

 

Edited by my niece Sasmiita Segar.

 

 

 

Puisi Yang Cukup Bermakna Untuk Coach Dharma-Untuk Coach Luar Biasa

Bagi pihak keluarga,saya ingin ucapkan ribuan terimakasih kepada penulis puisi ini. Puisi yang cukup bermakna untuk adik saya,Dharma.

Kejayaan adik saya adalah hasil sokongan dan dorongan yang diberikan oleh Majlis Sukan Negara(MSN) dan Persekutuan Hoki Malaysia.

Saya berpendapat ilmu kejurulatihan yang ada pada adik saya lebih baik digunakan untuk membimbing jurulatih-jurulatih hoki di sekolah-sekolah sukan di Malaysia.

Dengan adanya jurulatih-jurulatih yang berilmu di tahap pembangunan saya yakin Malaysia dapat capai prestasi yang baik di peringkat dunia.

Di Malaysia kita ada ramai pemain-pemain muda yang cukup berbakat untuk di bentuk jadi pemain taraf dunia.

Ada satu peribahasa yang cukup bermakna yang penulis gemar gunakan:"Kalau nak lenturkan buluh,biarlah dari rebungnya."

Saya berharap Kementerian Belia dan Sukan, Majlis Sukan Negara, Persekutuan Hoki Malaysia dan Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia dapat mempertimbangankan cadangan saya.

Terimakasih

                                       -----------------------------------
Untuk Coach Luar Biasa

Insan ini bukan sebarangan,
Dalam berjuta mungkin seorang,
Sudah terbukti merentas zaman,
Jasa tercurah bukan kepalang.

Insan ini tak kenal penat,
Seawal fajar sudah tercegat;
Sudah disaksikan padang keramat,
Tak pernah henti perah keringat.

Insan ini hatinya mulia,
Memimpin pasukan julang negara;
Banyak kali menjadi juara,
Yang tidak nampak jelaslah buta.

Insan ini hatinya cerah,
Sekecil perkara habis dibedah;
Supaya selesai semua masalah,
Seluruh pasukan dapat faedah.

Insan ini cintakan watan,
Tidak memilih untuk berkawan;
Sekecil2 jurulatih di lapangan,
Kami dibantu tak tagih ganjaran.

Di Gelang Patah pernah bertandang,
Bukan mencari pari semilang;
Tapi membantu di atas padang,
Sekolah kecil juara disandang.

Insan ini permata kita,
Usah dibiar berlalu duka;
Lupakah kita segala jasa,
Juara Asia dan ke-4 dunia?

Terima Kasih Tuan Dharma,
Jasa Tuan takkan dilupa;
Kami memandang penuh mulia,
'Kita langgar!" azimat sentiasa!

Tulisan;
Yang pernah jadi coach hoki kampungan

An Arrogant Man Is A Weak Man! by Maninderjit Singh

It's people like Mike that gives us hope in Malaysian hockey. He takes the time and trouble to elucidate his views concerning Malaysian hockey tirelessly. I'm sharing his latest article on the current affairs of Malaysian hockey for you to peruse.

Recently Mike apprised me that Malaysian hockey needs at least 10 years to prepare a formidable team to qualify for the Olympics. Frankly, in my view, the decisions that are being made now are in fact destroying the development of the game.

For now, I will give you one example as to the decision not to renew the contract of the coaches upon reaching its term. It was legally right but was it morally right when the coaches were informed that their contracts would not be renewed just a few weeks before the National Hockey League.

Whatever decisions we make now will have an impact on the future of the game.

Thank You.
                                    .................................

Mike's views are as below:

Don't confuse confidence with arrogance. Arrogance is being full of yourself, feeling you're always right, and believing your accomplishments or abilities make you better than other people. 

After failing 5 years miserably and lost a ticket to Olympic, and given another term till next Olympic cycle is like a death crop awaiting for final funeral rites. The decay of the game smells immensely throughout the country.

Just because you command votes, it doesn't mean that 32million people are happy with the progress and ongoings. Day by Day, the public perception & support is deteriorating badly & sports lovers' anger & frustration is increasing enormously. The boiling point is coming close...

After Congress, the quality of Bearers is at the lowest ever due to dirty political maneuver & en-bloc withdrawal of high profile personalities & former internationals who were honest & had the passion to save the game. It will be a nonfunctional Board that has a more "carelessness mindset" than corporate values & low standard of understanding the depth of the game (most are a school or state players). The current Board lacks modern knowledge & comes without any success profile in their achievements & lack in implementation methodology. Therefore, it will be stagnant progress without any deliveries until next Olympic.

People often believe arrogance is excessive confidence, but it's really a lack of confidence. By removing many former international from the outfit & not considering others to help out will haunt your decision & there will be a price to be paid. Time will tell & you're giving yourself more rope to be hanged. 

People like Tai Beng Hai, Yahya Atan, Stephen, Logan Raj, K Enbaraj, Lim Chiow Chuan, Nor Saiful, Mohd Dharma, Mohd Madzil, S Vellapan, Iman Gobinathan, Saliza & Kerpal Singh are removed or decided not to continue & terminated without any valid reasons. Honor former international with respect & not just throwing them away without any reasonable reasons. There are many potential & credible Coaches like Sarjit Singh, Arul Selvaraj, Eugene Lee, Nor Azlan Bakar, Fairuz Ramli, Kelvinder, Selvaraju, Kaliswaran & many more that are not called in to support the game. More so, personalities like Ow Soon Koi, Yoges, Maheswari, Ramakrishnan, Lum Sau Fong, MA Sambu, Keevan Raj, Baljit,  Collin Sta Maria, R Shanker, S Kuhan and many more who are capable international out there that could contribute well towards the game but been ignored. Mantra - without Former Internationals, you will never succeed! 

Even top officials including TO/Umpires are sidelined & ignored. They've served the Nation with pride at the highest level (Olympics) & were dedicated to the sports. Arrogant people are insecure, and often repel others. Sad state of affairs.

Other Top Nations are having a busy schedule like playing in Pro League & preparing for Olympic. But here, the custodian is busy with politicking & still unsettled after Congress. The gap is getting wider between the top teams & us at the international level. Full of arrogance without knowing the real facts & how to manage the game at its best. 

Where is your lackadaisical Post-mortem report & blueprint? Little bird said that most players were not happy with the Foreign Coach. And you're caught in catch 22 situation. You have failed big time & more to come as the signs are already showing...

Arrogance is an unhealthy ego in sports that need repair. If you feel you & your team could not contribute progressively & lack the ideas to save the game, its an easy solution - just step down and call for a fresh election, with that we could get the right person in the right position who embodies excellent & at least there will light at the end of the tunnel rather than darkness.

To all the Affiliates who sold your souls, well done & keep it up. You have lost your check & balance rights. You were supposed to be the heartbeat of the Organisation but rather succumb and bow down to unqualified bearers who are directionless. Even at your backyard, you have failed but showing your supremacy at the National level is just finding a needle in a haystack. You have lost it due to a Tour!

Time to buck up or pack your bags up...

By Maninderjit Singh (Mike)
Former international
12th February 2020

Pivotal Role Of Coaches-Loughborough University

"It is important to educate athletes and coaches at all levels of participation in the vital role effective coach-athlete relationships can ultimately play in their success and satisfaction." 

Researchers from Loughborough University have highlighted a good quality relationship between coaches and their athletes in ensuring world-class performance and increasing successful and satisfying participation in sport at all levels.

This ongoing research program-carried out by a team of researchers from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and led by Dr. Sophia Jowett, alongside national and international collaborators-emphasizes that the coach-athlete relationship is not an "add-on" or by-product of sport, but the foundation of sport.

Dr. Jowett and her research team have developed the world's first and only theoretical model to explain the content and quality of the coach-athlete relationship. This model is known as 3+1Cs: Closeness, Commitment,
Complementarity,and Co-orientation.

The 3 + 1Cs model and its accompanied psychometric measures have enabled them to systematically explore the links between the quality of the coach-athlete relationship(i.e. 3 + 1Cs) and important factors such as performance, satisfaction, motivation, passion, confidence, physical self-concept across different level of sport participation ranging from elite to grassroots sport.

Dr. Sophia Jowett said the team's research shows that relationship developed between coaches and athletes is a fundamental medium that can make the journey to achieving great success less arduous and more fulfilling.

We have heard the best athletes in the world vouched how grateful they were of their coaches' effort and belief in them. Their statements not only underline their appreciation, respect, and commitment to their coaches but also reflects the importance of this coach-athlete relationship.

Dr. Jowett said now is the time to incorporate this accumulated knowledge and understanding around coach-athlete relationships into coach education programmes, as well as into sport policy development that aims to support the developing athlete and coach or promote the interest of sport at all level

While our research is ongoing, we now have more research findings than ever before to show how pivotal the quality of the coach-athlete relationship is for athletes and coaches'experience of sport, Dr.Jowet emphasized.


Thank You.

Medical Health Insurance - "Does the introduction of new medical technology exacerbate the cost of Medical care?"By Mr.V.M.Chandran

In loving memory of my dear friend, Mr. V.M. Chandran.

Medical Health Insurance is a risk mitigation mechanism where for a comparatively small amount of monies per year, one can hedge against risks which may be of significant value such as medical expenses. This depends on what type and extent of coverage one has, which is predetermined to compute the premium based on personal information which includes age, occupation, medical history including family, any pre-existing illness, and other key matters.  

Today a good 80 to 85 % of patients in private hospitals use medical insurance as their primary source for funding their medical expenses. This has become a key integral part of Private health care. 

An interesting aspect of Medical costs is that its inflation in Malaysia is running as high as 12 to 15%, which itself is a "world record" whilst premiums for medical insurance seem to be "  hitting the roof" with a remarkable increase of 30% for 2020. Maybe the traditional economics "Supply and Demand" seem not to hold its assumptions in Private health care.

Insurance companies seem to have a forceful argument that technological innovations in Medical science have increased the cost of medical care. This is their principal justification as they "pool" the total claims and spread it over a larger population by creating such an astronomical increase in premiums. A point that is continuously debated because Insurance companies seem to move at a "snail's pace" to approve technological treatment including "robotics". Indeed some regard them as a hindrance to scientific progress in medical care. Probably, Insurance companies in their actuarial calculations have never inbuilt aspects of new technology development unless it is the latest medical health insurance policy.

On the other side, Private hospitals indicate technology has helped in efficient operating levels and much earlier recovery of patients. Yet the benefits that it is supposed to accrue is not reflected in the patient "billings". Indeed, medical health care has skyrocketed with technology.  A simple appendicitis operation by traditional surgery would cost around RM8,000. A new technological approach seems to put the bill around RM20,000. Obviously, the classic argument of capital cost, operating cost including maintenance and training cost would seem to be their cost build-up argument. 

The key question that arises from advancement in technology is to whom the benefits in the form of operational efficiency and speedy recovery are advantageous???? Surely not to the patients in " dollars & cents". If any, the private hospitals turn around time for patients and more effective use of assets paves the way for higher utilisation of those assets and better occupancy level, ultimately for better profits. All this is a significant cost to the patient.

While I have blatantly stated the point that new technology is benefiting private hospitals, it must also be recognised that I am aware that a few hospitals are ethical about such things and allow the choice to the patients ie whether to adopt traditional or technology-aided procedures. This I must mention to differentiate them.

This brings me back to the aspect of Medical insurance. If patients have regular claims on their medical bills, the issue of "civilised" increases in premiums seems to have a sound foundation. However, where the insurance premium increases are burdened on people who have the "cover" but had not utilised it, should they be subjected to the same "pari passu" treatment as patients who make claims against their insurance? Here the Insurance companies are playing "Robin Hood" ie pooling all the premiums, with or without claims to pay for claims of patients who incurred the medical expenses. Is that proper?

M Shanmugam of Star media had raised in one of his articles on Health care the issue of "No Claims Bonus" - NCB. The term NCB is best known for Motor Insurance, where predetermined discounts are provided for motor insurance premiums when there are no claims when renewal arises. It seems to be a benefit that is accrued to the vehicle owner for ensuring that his vehicles were not subject to any claims. Sort of a "Reward" system.

Introducing NCB for Medical insurance can be the best roadmap action to be taken by Insurance companies in Malaysia. Much too long we seem to be "short-changed" as all medical insurance holders are lumped together. What makes matters diabolically interesting is that in various other regimes some form of "Reward " system is in place for Medical insurance holders who maintain their health and or who do not make claims for medical expenses.

Some of the prevailing scenarios are:

1. NCB is provided on 50% of the ceiling sum over a period of 5 years. The NCB  is not used to discount premiums but rather is added to the ceiling sum each year till the 5th year. 
This effectively means at the end of the 5th year, the ceiling sum has increased by 50%, whereas in the intervening period the premium is charged on the original base case.
This scheme has its advantage as it can help the medical insurance holder to capitalise on new technology for medical care with a larger ceiling sum. Insurance companies are reluctant to implement.

2. In some places where the Medical Insurance holder has not made any claims on his Insurance, the cumulative premium paid during the term is reimbursed after some administrative charges.

3. There are places where the NCB amount on Medical health insurance is given "portable" rights ie transferable to other existing insurance policies of the individual, which could enhance its value.

The regimes that provide such facilities particularly on NCB for Medical health insurance seem to cater across the board recognising each group and attributing to the careful management of their Medical health insurance. The "lazy" approach of "lumping" everyone as one is an easy way out but the justice of equity is not there. 

In a nutshell, it would seem Insurance companies are maximising their returns with regard to the idiosyncrasies that exist in their field. A "clean sweep" system is adopted as the Insurance holders are burdened with ever-increasing premiums. This would become more acute as Medical science moves forward innovating new techniques and procedures. The health insurance remains stagnant in a time of its own and their only solution is to increase the premiums. 

Insurance companies must be more creative in their health insurance and one key area is to engage with Private hospitals in the introduction of new technology. Indeed if any they are the Private hospitals'  biggest paymaster, so they have the negotiating powers to determine the "monies worth" of the charges. This is a duty of care and responsibility that Insurance companies owe to the health insurance policyholders.

Unfortunately, they seem to omit this part of their duties that seems to help in catalysing the escalation of medical health costs in the country. The failure to take such responsibility seems to have a devastating effect on the cost of private Health care in Malaysia and the problem is growing.

V M Chandran
January 2020.

MHC-The Facts Were Staring Right at Us (Conclusion)

A few years ago, I took my nephew to a colouring competition at a nearby mall. He was really excited about it as he loved colouring. The environment at the competition was quite chaotic with screaming children, loud music, and shoppers moving around. Despite all the distractions, my nephew remained focused on his colouring for the entire three hours of the competition. Watching him made me realize that when you are passionate about something, you can fully concentrate on it, no matter what's happening around you.

"It's not a lack of concentration, but rather a lack of passion for learning that I had assumed was the issue with the Malaysian hockey team. When you have a genuine passion for learning, you naturally give your full attention to the task at hand, and concentration issues simply do not arise. In essence, if you find yourself having to remind someone to concentrate, it indicates that their heart isn't fully in the game."

Let's consider how these new findings can positively impact our Malaysian hockey team. The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has made significant investments in securing hockey experts from around the world to train our team in specific skills, demonstrating their commitment to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Qualifier. While the players have diligently attended all required training sessions, it's crucial for them to also engage in self-training to master the skills they've learned from the experts. While an expert coach can provide valuable guidance, it's ultimately the players' dedication to practice and refine these skills that will lead to mastery.

In preparation for the 1991 Olympic qualifier, I dedicated myself to hitting thousands of balls, honing the technical aspect of my penalty corner hit. Despite this effort, I only saw improvement when I focused on mastering the mental skills of maintaining calm and composure. During the crucial moments of executing a short corner, it's essential to exhibit a composed demeanour to fully utilise the technical skills stored in implicit memory. This process requires both physical strength and mental acuity to work in harmony.

I hope I have thoroughly conveyed the predicament facing our hockey team. This issue will persist as long as the existing system continues to produce mediocre players and incentivise them with substantial rewards, in the hopes that they will elevate their performance. The highest-earning athletes in sports command substantial incomes due to their unwavering commitment to consistently improving their performance. The ability to deliver consistent results is the defining characteristic of a true champion.

The mark of mediocrity is inconsistency, and unfortunately, it has become the trademark of our national hockey team. If nothing changes, the attrition rate among youth hockey players will likely increase. As a result, when funding diminishes, the mediocre players representing the country professionally may exit the sport. While I hope this prediction is incorrect, the signs are pointing to a crisis in Malaysian hockey: a high attrition rate and an abundance of mediocre players.

Over the years, thousands of young individuals have gone through the Sukan Teras and 1Mas hockey development programs to build a larger pool of hockey players for the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL), which serves as a platform for selecting future national players. Can we confirm whether the MHL has indeed experienced growth as a result of these efforts?

There is a saying that two people can look at the same stars but see things differently. While my viewpoint may differ from that of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, I am confident in stating that the game of hockey is dwindling in our country.

I hope the phrase I commonly used for the Malaysian hockey team, "It's so close yet so far," won't change to "it's beyond our reach." Then playing in the Olympics will always be like building castles in the air.




Thank You.