I was unappreciated in MHC, says Ow

Former Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) vice president Datuk Ow Soon Kooi clarified today that a ‘regenerative disease’ played a pivotal role in his decision to quit from all positions in MHC.

The former national team captain, who featured in the Montreal Olympics (1976) and Los Angeles Olympics (1984), added that the sickness has affected his daily schedules including performing to his best ability in his capacity as a member of the National Team Management Committee as well as head of the Coaching Committee.

“I took into consideration this factor and decided that it was best to quit from all activities although my passion for hockey has always been immense,” he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today which was attended by several members of the 1975 World Cup Malaysian hockey team.

Datuk Ow, however, cited other reasons too for his decision to resign and one of it includes a ‘glowing displeasure’ towards the attitude of several MHC officials who have accused the Coaching Committee chairman and his team members of inefficiency.

“This is totally not true. These allegations and claims have personally damaged my reputation as a former national player, businessman and also as vice president of MHC,” he added. “The Coaching Committee have set up a structure when I was appointed as chairman in 2015. We have organised several coaching seminars since.

“The results of this structure is realised today as the men’s team qualified for the 2018 World Cup in India while the women’s team created history by playing in the Hockey World League Semi-finals in Brussels, Belgium for the first time.”

He also questioned the decision of MHC Technical Director Terry Walsh in “hiring’ German Paul Lissek as the consultant for national teams in the upcoming SEA Games.

“I was given a wrong picture of how much Lissek was being paid and after three weeks I found out that the amount paid is six times higher than what I was told,” said a disillusioned DatukOw.

“I also felt redundant as my services were not appreciated,”said Datuk Ow.  He also explained that the committee had set a benchmark with targeted Key Performance Index (KPI) for all coaches.

When questioned on the appointment of former Olympian Soon Mustafa Karim as the new Chairman of the Coaching Committee, Datuk Ow replied: “Soon has always been a disciplined player and I believe he will perform to his best ability. I wish him all the best.”

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