HOCKEY: Decision on hold

THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is still in two minds over the fate of senior coach Tai Beng Hai after the Dublin Olympics Qualifier failure.

   Nine state affiliates held a discussion at Bukit Jalil yesterday, and came to a conclusion that Beng Hai should be given the mandate until the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh on May 24-June 3.

    However, the coach met MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah in Kuala Lumpur after that, and the state affiliates' discussion was not endorsed.

   "I just had a meeting with Beng Hai, and he briefed me on why the team failed in Dublin.

"I would like to make it clear here that I am very disappointed that the team did not play in the final.

   "We had two chances and blew both (against South Korea and Ireland) and now it is back to the drawing board.

    "On the matter of Beng Hai, I am undecided if he should be retained for the Azlan Shah Cup, or that we bring in another local or foreign coach to replace him.

   "Give me another few days to make up my mind," said Tengku Abdullah.

   Beng Hai was not ready to comment on the matter and said: "I have spoken to the president and leave it in his hands to make a decision. I will not say anything at this juncture."

     In the long run, Tengku Abdullah said MHC is looking at a total overhaul of the system, as it looks to form a stronger side for future tournaments.

   "If the need arises, we will restructure the local league and I am also interested to send players overseas on attachments," said Tengku Abdullah.

    The Azlan Shah Cup has no bearing on Malaysia's rankings but the invitational tournament has Olympic hosts Britain, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Korea and Argentina.

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