A New Approach Needed (01/04/2005 - The Malay Mail)

Publication : MM
Date : 01/04/2005
Headline : A new approach needed


FROM the look of things, dedicated teachers may no longer suffice for the
development of sports.
Professional coaches might be the answer if schools are to produce
caliber athletes.
This was the point raised by former Olympian sprinter Mej Jen (rtd)
Datuk Shahrudin Mohd Ali, who competed in the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Now 64, the former Deputy Chief of Air Force, spoke his mind at the
Olympian Night organised by the Malaysian Masters Athletics Association
(MMAA) last Saturday.
He was among the 24 of 41 athletes from eight Olympics - 1956 in
Melbourne to 1988 in Seoul - who attended the function, the first-ever
organised to pay tribute to these past greats.
Eight athletes could not be contacted, six are deceased and another
three - Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan, Dilbagh Singh Kler and Junaidah Aman,
could not attend because of prior engagements.
Those present wanted to meet Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said,
who was scheduled to attend, but could not make it because of other
pressing matters.
Most of them had come to talk about the ailing sports condition and how
best to put it right.
Shahrudin expressed his views when he was asked to speak on behalf of
his fellow Olympians.
He started by saying Malaysia's goals had to be realistic.
"It is pointless to aim high when realistically, we do not stand a
chance," he said.
"After the 1960 Olympics, I quit because I did not know what hit me when
I competed as I was dwarfed in the race," said Shahrudin.
The point he drove home was it is impossible for us to compete against a
field which is not level.
"We Malaysians don't have the physique to match the world's top
athletes.
"And with inter-marriage a taboo and genetic engineering non-existent
here, we are battling against the odds," he added.
Shahrudin went on to say things have worsened because grassroots
development is virtually zero.
"Schools were the foundation of sports those days. But these days, when
we have coaches in tudongs and sarongs, how do we expect to compete at the
Asian level, let alone the world level?" he asked.
"Gone are the days when we could depend on dedicated teachers to produce
athletes in the various sports.
"These days, we need professional coaches, who know the sports inside
out if we want to have a chance to see outstanding athletes emerge.
"We can't depend on teachers with basic courses in various sports to
churn out the champions of the future."
Shahrudin is sadden that while athletes of yesteryear are willing to
share their experience and knowledge, they are not given the opportunity
to do so.
A look around the room revealed only a handful are involved in coaching
or administration.
It is a sheer waste such valuable knowledge and experience is not being
tapped.
There are close to 300 Olympians from 18 sports - athletics,
weightlifting, shooting, swimming, hockey, boxing, cycling, fencing,
badminton, soccer, table tennis, taekwondo, yachting, gymnastics,
canoeing, judo, wrestling and diving - from the 1956 Olympics to the 2000
Sydney Games.
Even if only half of them are involved at various levels of coaching and
administration, Malaysian sports would be in better shape.
Of the Olympians, hockey players are the most at 119 while athletes come
second with 47.
Admittedly, the Government are now focused on making sports a career in
an effort to lift its standard, but sadly, these past athletes, have been
forgotten.
Maybe it is not too late to engage the abler of these athletes to help
resuscitate Malaysian sports.
The fact is, the athletes who attended the dinner, came not for the
garlands, token medal, gift and dinner but because they are honoured to be
remembered.
So, let's stop ignoring this wealth of experience in our very own
backyard.
Let's use their knowledge instead of spending huge amounts on
foreigners.
FOOTNOTE: Teachers whom I identified as a dying breed in the school
system in my last column, called or e-mailed to express their thanks.
This only goes to underline teachers and coaches alike, could do with a
pat on the back once in a while.
Certainly, it is not money or fame that they are looking for, just
appreciation.
Many names might have been missed out and to them, a big thank-you and
please carry on with the good work.
Perhaps, it is time the relevant authorities - be it the Sports
Ministry, Education Ministry, National Sports Associations, Sports
Councils or even the private sector - made an effort to honour or reward
teachers, officials or even volunteers for playing their part in keeping
the sports culture alive.
Maybe an Olympian night for the 200 odd Olympians from the 18 sports is
in order, probably even to coincide with the National Sportsman and
Sportswoman Awards ceremony.

The dying breed (25/03/2005 - The Malay Mail)

Publication : MM
Date : 25/03/2005
Headline : The dying breed


TEACHERS of late have been blamed for not having the same commitment as
their past colleagues when it comes to the development of sports in
schools.
There are various reasons from lack of rewards, rising number of women
teachers, schools which are not interested in sports, the changing
lifestyle of the society where education takes precedence to teachers who
prefer to earn extra money through tuition and the diminishing number of
school fields.
The politics played by teachers to get into positions at the State or
National Level Sports Councils, the backbiting and undermining of efforts
of fellow teachers and jealousy are also discouraging other teachers.
Parents also play a part when they get personal and use their influence
for their children sake.
In the past, there have been cases of teachers being transferred because
of complaints from parents, or even fellow teachers, who have clout or
"connections" at the right places.
Some of these teachers have given up sports in their new schools, while
some continued with their work to produce athletes every year.
How can there be sports development when there are so much problems at
the grassroots?
In all fairness to teachers, who have done their share in development,
this column attempts to credit teachers who have been the pillars of
Malaysian sports foundation.
It is impossible to credit every one because there are always the
teachers who do all the hard work but shy from publicity, or are working
in their own on some remote place in Malaysia, while some are never
recognised because others take their glory.
Dr Harjit Singh, the Johor Cricket Council (JCC) president for the past
19 years, is a dedicated worker who is an all action and hands-on man.
He has seen the many phases of Malaysian sports and testified teachers
of the old school are a dying breed.
"We had teachers who were not only dedicated but would spend their own
money to promote sports in their schools and State," said Harjit.
"But times have changed, economically and socially, and we cannot blame
teachers who prefer to look after themselves financially first."
Many names mentioned here might not ring a bell to the new generation of
teachers and students but they need to be acknowledged for being
responsible for the past glories.
Among those who made their marks in the 60s, 70s and 80s include Gerald
Rozells, Bernard Khoo, Philip Adolphus, Kirubakaran Rokk, David Fernandez,
Ahmad Shafie (soccer), Lionel Rajamoney, Michael Perry, C. Ramanathan, T.
Krishnan, Rennie Martin, A. Tripadi, S. Sivapragasam, Tan Choo Mong, T.
Thiruselvam, Marina Chin, N. Nadarajah (athletics), Brian Foennader, Louis
Rodriques, Vincent Fernandez, S. Sivapathsundram, Malek Khiew, Teng Cheng
Leong, Pritam Singh Sandhu, Gurdial Singh (hockey), B. Rajakulasingham,
Indran, B. Sathiasivam, R. Ratnasingam, Jimi Chai (cricket), Aladad Khan
(multiple sports), late Mui Fatt Chai, Goh Yea Yen (badminton), Wong Tong
Poh (swimming), the late Ung Ket Chow (rugby) and the list goes on.
Many of these teachers are still actively involved in coaching despite
being retired. These are the dying breed of teachers.
The present times have their fair share of dedicated teachers.
Among them are K. Sukumaran, P. Gansesmoorthy, C. Nadarajan, Ustaz Md
Yazid Yahaya, Sidan Harun, Mat Jusoh Saat, Khairul Annuar Khairuddin
(soccer), S. Arunandy, Khoo Boon Keat, A. Vellurajan, K. Segeran Nair, Tan
Eng Hui, R. Magendran, Pritam Kaur, (athletics), S. Sasitheran, R.
Vivekananda, N. Ghananathan, K. Sunderasan, Tejar Singh, Yap Gark Soo,
Mokhtar Baharuddin, Durai Raj (hockey), K. Kamarajan (cricket), Mazlan
Ahmad (swimming), Guana Seagarn Sammuel, Yasmin Othman, Nahar Desa,
Madeline Parril, Khairul Mohtar, Anita Abdullah, Doris Selvi Thomas,
Mathialagan, Abdul Rahman Besar (bowling) to name a few.
There is still hope for schools to become the permanent foundation of
Malaysian sports but it needs to be made worthwhile for teachers to be
seriously involved.

Parents should know their place (18/03/2005 - The Malay Mail)

Date : 18/03/2005
Headline : Parents should know their place


PARENTS are the first step towards a sporting culture which excels at the
highest level.
However, changing times in society, have seen them giving less
importance to sports.
Their lack of interest is reflected in the end products with fewer and
and fewer students doing well in sports.
But in fairness to parents, who still play a major role in churning out
talent from schools, their contribution is indeed immense.
In general, there are three kinds of parents - those who emphasise on
education with loads of tuition than on sports.
Then, we have parents, who take great interest in sports, supporting
their kids with the best equipment, sending them to training and even
attending competitions to create a family carnival by bringing food and
drinks.
They also spend tons of money in order for their kid to succeed.
The third category of parents are those who get too involved in the
sport and problems arise when teachers lose control of their teams.
More often than not, these parents get emotionally involved, question
selection and lose sense of fairness. This can turn into ugly situations.
This, unfortunately, has certainly been the case in recent years and is
unhealthy for the growth of sports.
In a way, the teachers have to share the blame.
In most cases, the parents get involved as the teachers do not take much
interest in the sports and it is the parents, who get things going.
Before you know it, it is the parents who are running the show.
But when parents get involved, they allow their sentiments and emotions
to get the better of them, especially when it comes to selection.
If teachers are in charge, they would pick the best based because they
want the best to represent the school.
Recently, parents who are upset by teachers' decisions, have even taken
the matter to the Education Department.
Luckily, good sense prevailed with the State and national Education
Departments dismissing such complains, saying parents can't be directly
involved in the selection process.
But the situation will continue if teachers do not take full
responsibility of sports they are in charge of and take the easy way out
when parents offer assistance.
Haresh Deol, Malay Mail Sports stringer, a law student, who has been
covering the schools scene for the last five years, has stories of parents
being overzealous on numerous occasions.
One recent incident involved parents invading a hockey pitch to question
the umpire's decision during a schools game in the Klang Valley.
At a recent bowling championships, parents questioned the selection of
the district team.
But this particular district still emerged tops and eventually, the bulk
of their bowlers helped the State to emerge champions.
There was even an incident where a parent hit a teacher after a heated
argument.
If this continues, the few teachers still dedicated to sports, will
disappear to avoid any controversy.
After all, most put their heart and soul coaching - for free.
As such, while parents are the key which unlocks champions, they have to
restrain themselves from getting involved emotionally.
They should assist teachers when asked, in non-controversial areas.
They should work together to bring the best out of children and not act
in any manner which will be detrimental to their development.
On the other hand, kudos to parents who have played important roles in
nurturing champions.
Among the athletes who have succeeded are the Kali Kavandan brothers
Keevan and Logan Raj, Dr Brian Jayhan Sivapathasundram, Shalin Zulkifli,
Wendy Chai, Zandra and Zaid Ibrahim Hakimi, Zulmazran Zulkifli, Nicol
David, Ong Beng Hee, the Sidek and Hashim brothers, Kevin Lim, Timothy and
Delia Arnold and the list goes on.
These parents have set exemplary examples and it is about time they are
recognised publicly.
Perhaps even rewarded, so it makes it worthwhile for other parents to
follow suit.
With the Government now making it worthwhile for students to excel in
sports for a better future, parents should take bolder steps to encourage
their children to excel in sports.

Save the fields first (11/03/2005 - The Malay Mail)

Publication : MM
Date : 11/03/2005
Headline : Save the fields first


SPORTS in the country may be on the rise, what with the strong support
from the Government, who have been focusing on the grassroots level of
late.
However, one important area seems to have been neglected: the fields.
All programmes and plans will come to nought if there are not enough or
even proper fields for the children to train on.
It is no secret there is a shortage of fields in the Klang Valley and
the other towns, where many a field have disappeared in the name of
development.
Even school fields have not been spared where construction of new
classrooms, facilities like science and technology laboratories and car
parks has been given priority over fields.
A recent survey of 268 secondary schools showed 53 per cent of them lack
in one or more facilities of the the following: courts for badminton,
basketball, netball, sepak takraw, tennis, handball and volleyball; as
well as fields for football and hockey; multi-purpose courts, fields and
halls.
Many of the new schools also do not have fields or may have small-sized
fields which hardly could be used for any activities.
Some schools have to share fields with their neighbours, while many
fields are poorly or hardly maintained at all, making some of them
dangerous for sporting activities.
When asked about the lack of playing fields, Sports Minister Datuk
Azalina Othman Said said she was aware of the problem and was trying her
best to change the situation through the assistance of the Ministry of
Education and State Governments.
State Governments' help is sought as their lands come under their
jurisdiction, not the Federal Government's, where only a directive can be
the solution.
Appeals have been made to State Governments to have more fields and
parks, but more often than not, these often fall on deaf ears as the local
authorities may not consider it a priority.
In setting the wheels into motion, Azalina has this week at the National
Youth and Sports Exco meeting in Kota Kinabalu, requested the respective
States' Excos in charge of sports development to submit detailed reports
on facilities available for the eight core sports identified by the
Government - badminton, tenpin bowling, squash, gymnastics, hockey,
athletics, swimming and football.
The Government's plan to build 519 community sports complexes in State
constituencies may provide a solution to the problem, but more
importantly, it is the school fields which need to be in place.
The fields and other facilities in the schools could be a two-prong
solution because they could be used by occupants of residential areas
after school hours for community sports activities.
The community could also play their part in raising funds to ease the
burden on the schools authorities in managing and maintaining the
facilities, and work closely in creating sporting hubs in each State.
And teachers will have to play an even important role once the
facilities are in place.
Teachers too have not been contributing and in fact, they have received
more brickbats than accolades.
It is common to hear phrases like: "Gone are the days when we had
dedicated teachers who made sports strive in schools."
While in all fairness to the teachers who are earning meagre salaries,
they do no want to spend their time on the field after school hours, when
they can be giving private tuition for extra income.
Some teachers even become part-time car salespersons, sell direct-
selling products and kain batek in their school staff rooms, rather than
waste their time in the hot afternoon sun on the field.
Part of the blame is due to the ratio of school-teachers these days,
where females exceed the males, thus seeing many of the former not really
interested in sports.
Then, of course, even among the males, a majority of them do not have
sports backgrounds, even in the case of those who are products of teacher
training colleges and universities offering Physical Education (PE)-
related programmes.
A recent survey of 1,276 teachers from 248 primary schools in Peninsular
Malaysia by Univerisiti Teknoloji Mara's Faculty of Sports Science, led by
Dr Wee Eng Hoe, revealed more than half of PE teachers - specialised or
otherwise - have not attended related course after being posted to their
respective schools.
Not only teachers, but headmasters must also play a key role in their
respective schools.
Some headmasters, and it is more common if they are women, do not
particularly pay much attention to sports development.
However, there are still a dedicated few who keep sports alive in their
educational institutions.
This rare breed would spend hours on the field coaching, and acting as
counsellors, friends, fatherly figures and, above all, dedicated teachers.
These are the ones who are responsible for the talents coming out of
schools.
Teachers who produce these athletes should be rewarded and recognised,
if more of them are to surface.
All the machinery at the schools level has to be set right, before the
sports culture concept is expected to be part and parcel of Malaysian
society.
In next week's column, the very foundation of a sports culture - parents
- will be discussed.

Renewing hopes for Malaysia (04/03/2005)

Publication : MM
Date : 04/03/2005
Headline : Renewing hopes for Malaysia

ONE woman has the vision of Malaysian sports being taken to a higher level
in the near future, while another is proving it can be done, even if it
means beating the men.
They are none other than Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and
bowler Shalin Zulkifli respectively.
While Azalina, since taking office 11 months ago as the first woman
Sports Minister, has been all action with her fervor and passion,
believing Malaysian sports no longer need to remain in the doldrums but to
rise and shine again, Shalin has been continuing with her international
exploits to reignite hopes for Malaysian sports.
Azalina, even at the expense of being accused she was biting off more
than she can chew, is committed towards achieving what she has set in
motion.
Both Azalina and Shalin may be considered the fairer sex, but they have
proved a thing or two, prompting the men to sheepishly admit the duo have
done better.
Probably, it is about time for athletes, officials, schoolchildren,
parents and Malaysians at large, to believe there is indeed hope for
Malaysian sports and they must get cracking.
The time certainly cannot be better with Azalina playing a key role in
getting the Government to support sports in an unprecedented big way.
While it was left mainly to the Sports Ministry in the past to chart the
path of Malaysian sports, the recent formation of the Cabinet Committee on
Sports Development - headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib
Razak - only underlines the fact that the Government mean business.
There are athletes like Shalin and the other bowlers, squash players and
occasionally the shuttlers, who bring honours, injecting a ray of hope
into Malaysian sports.
And Shalin's feat of overcoming even the world's top men, not just last
week when she beat Ahmed Shaheen Al Muraiki of Qatar, double gold
medalist in the 1999 AMF World Cup and World Championships, on his home
ground in the H.H. Emir Cup, but on two other occasions in the last four
years, only reinforces the fact that Malaysian athletes, with the right
attitude, approach and guidance, can excel in the international arena.
Maybe, it will be too far-fetched to say Malaysian athletes can do well
in all sports, because the reality factor has to be considered, where in
some, Malaysians don't stand a chance due to the physical aspect.
But then again, when Asians like the Japanese, Koreans and Chinese, have
proved they can compete against the world's best, maybe it is not an
impossible task after all.
This brings one back to Azalina, who from day one has been preaching
what the national athletes' mindset and sports culture should be.
Without doubt, one of the main reasons for Malaysian sports slipping
into a slump is the sports culture has slowly but surely eroded.
But every effort is being made to revive that spirit, with the onus now
on parents and teachers, who are the foundations of Malaysian sports, to
be ably supported by the various sports associations.
The grassroots have been neglected for some time by many sports
associations, which are now paying a heavy price.
But the few, like bowling and squash, who still give emphasis to
development, are the ones who are standing tall.
Of course, many blame the changing times where emphasis is more on
studies, tuition, computer games and the temptations of the entertainment
world.
But an earnest effort is being made by the Government to change all
that, and the fact 15 Ministers have been named to the Cabinet Committee
for Sports, only goes to show the seriousness given to sports, so that
there is a concerted effort from all quarters.
No one can now turn around and point at another Ministry because all
have to work hand in hand to make the plan work.
However, the only worry is with all the promises that Malaysian sports
are on the upswing due to the importance placed on them now, this could
raise false hopes that results can be expected soon.
And poor results in the Manila SEA Games at year's end, and next year's
Melbourne Commonwealth Games and Doha Asian Games, may see many joining
the bandwagon to brand all the efforts as a failure.
What has been set in motion currently to restore the Malaysian sports
image is going to take time, and patience, persistence and perseverance
will be the vital ingredients of success.
If there are going to be any notions of having launched the programme
today and expecting results tomorrow, we are certainly not heading
anywhere.

: Sidney wins major international award (The Sunday Mail)

MALAYSIAN TENPIN BOWLING CONGRESS (MTBC) secretary-general Sidney Tung
(right) was honoured by the World Bowling Writers (WBW) when they awarded
him the Mort Luby Jr Distinguished Service Award for 2003.
 Malaysia received a rare double honour when the the writer of this
article was awarded the Gosten Zellen Golden Quill Award for contribution
in giving the sport publicity.
 Sidney was not present in Singapore as he had an important meeting in
Kuala Lumpur. The award was given for his tireless efforts in promoting
bowling worldwide.
 Sidney, who began his career in bowling administration since founding
the Kuala Lumpur Tenpin Association in 1976, got involved at the national
level when he was MTBC's assistant secretary from 1978 to 1980.
 He was then elected the secretary-general from 1980.
 Sidney's first international award was the FIQ Silver Pin Award for
outstanding contribution in Tenpin Bowling 1999.
 Sidney is best remembered for calling the media to give them the latest
results as he knew many considered bowling a parlour sport.
 He still does it today and even includes pictures as well.
 Today bowling is covered widely by all local major newspapers as the
conception of the game has changed and is recognised as a competitive
sport.
 The increasing support includes being selected as among the eight elite
sports for Government aid.
 "I didn't expect to be recognised by the WBW," said Sidney when
contacted in Kuala Lumpur.
 "This is an honour which will spur me to strive harder to raise the
popularity of bowling.
 "I hope to see it in the Olympics soon."
 SIDNEY TUNG'S BIO-DATA
 Date of birth: Jan 6, 1945
 Place of birth: Kuala Lumpur
 Education: Confusion Chinese Secondary School - Senior middle 3; Senior
Cambridge examination; Technical College Diploma: Architectural
Designer/draftsmanship
 Sports education: American Sports Academy Foundation graduate in sports;
Administration & management, Sport marketing, Sports science, mental
training in high performance sports.
 Involvement in Malaysian Sports: Founder of Persatuan Tenpin Bowling
Kuala Lumpur (1976), Vice-president from 1978-1984, sssistant secretary
MTBC (1978-1980), Secretary-general(1980-present), Member of Olympic
Council of Malaysia since 1980, Sport manager of 1998 Commonwealth Games
(1996-1998), CEO of 2003 World Tenpin Bowling Championship
 Involvement in international organisations: Secretary of WTBA Asian Zone
(Now ABF 1994-1996), Member of ABF Tournament & Technical Committee (1997-
2004), Member of FIQ Membership Committee (1995-2003), deputy secretary-
general WTBA  (1999-2003), WTBA Technical Committee (1999-2003), WTBA
Tournament Committee (1999-2003), WTBA World Ranking Committee (1999-
2003), WTBA Marketing Committee (1999-2003)
 Positions in international organisations: Vice-president Asian Bowling
Federation (Since 1997), vice-president Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling
Federation (Since August 2002), ABF chairman statistic & award recognition
committee since 1997, ABF Tour Ltd board member since 2004
 International official in following championships
 Technical delegate: East Asian Games, China (1993), Asian Youth
Championship, HK (1993), Hiroshima Asian Games, Japan (1994), East Asian
Games, South Korea (1995), AMF Bowling World Cup, Kobe (1998)
 Jury of appeal: World Youth Championship, HK (1996), SEA Games, Jakarta
(1997), SEA Games, Brunei (1999), Asian Championship, Doha (2000)
 Tournament Director: SEA Games, KL (1989), 1st WTTC, KL (1994), Asian
Youth Championship, KL (1996), Commonwealth Games, KL (1998)
 Tournament manager: SEA Games, Penang (2001), World Championship KL
(2003)
 Team manager: SEA Games (1981, 1985, 1987, 1991, 1995), FIQ Asian
Championships (1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998), FIQ World
Championships (1983, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999), Asian Games (1986), AMF
Bowling World Cup (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
 Awards received: PPN (Pingat Pangkuan Negara) from Yang Di Pertuan Agong
(1990), AMN (Pingat Ahli Mangku Negara ) from Yang Di Pertuan Agong
(1999), FIQ Silver Pin Award for outstanding contribution (1999)
                               (END)

Holloway finally steps into the spotlight (The Sunday Mail)

THIS was one occasion bowling coach Holloway Cheah could not shun away
from the publicity and limelight when he was accorded Coach of the Year
2003 award by the National Sports Council on Tuesday night in a glittering
ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
Holloway, the former national bowler in the 1970s, has always stayed
away from the limelight in his coaching career which he started soon after
hanging up his gloves following the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games.
His award was for his contribution last year where he played a major
part in the national team's success in winning both the men and women's
5th World Tenpin Team Cup titles in Odense, Denmark, and the gold by the
women's team of five at the 15th World Championship in Kuala Lumpur.
But Holloway's contribution to the sport has been longstanding and his
award was way past due.
A member of the 1978 Bangkok Asiad team who won Malaysia's first ever
bowling gold medal, the sport has been his way of life from young.
Holloway, who turned 62 on Nov 27, came to Kuala Lumpur from Penang in
the 1960s looking for a job and he joined Federal Bowl.
Basketball was his first love and bowling was second during his
schooldays.
But all that changed when he was with Federal Bowl, where he later
joined the food and beverage department in the hotel before moving to Star
Bowl in the former Merlin Hotel (now Concorde Hotel).
It was here that Holloway started his coaching career and helped set up
the Star Bowl youth team.
He then took charge of the Kent Bowl youth team when the Star Bowl moved
to Kent Bowl in Asia Jaya.
It was in 1984 that Holloway first started to get involved with the
national team and national development coaching.
Through the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) and National Sports
Council (NSC), he had the opportunity to work under three great American
coaches over several years with special certification through Dick Ritger
for basic and silver certification programme, Bill Taylor for ball
drilling and coaching programme, and all-time great Tom Kouros while he
was here in 1987 to prepare the national side for the Helsinki World
Championships.
Within this period, Holloway played a part in moulding the team who
later mounted a serious challenge at the 1987 Asian Youth Championships at
Tokyo where Karen Lian and Lydia Kwah won the girls doubles and then
dominated the 1989 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
From May 1990 until 2000, he worked with Sid Allen as the local national
coach and gained a great deal of experience from the Canadian, who is one
of the best coaches in the world.
Together, they brought success after success to the country while at the
same time, developed many young bowlers to form a huge pool.
From May 2001, Holloway took over as national chief coach and was
responsible for winning seven gold medals at the 2001 KL SEA Games and two
golds in the 2002 Busan Asian Games.
In between, there were countless international victories.
His greatest moment, of course, was leading the men and women's team to
victory in Odense for the first ever wins in the World Team Cup and the
women's gold medal at the World Championships.
Holloway has since quit as national chief coach as he was spending too
much time travelling which prevented him from managing the Pyramid
Megalanes fulltime.
Holloway worked with Chris Batson during the World Championships.
He had earlier made personal recommendations that Batson, who was hired
as the roving development coach, be made the national coach.
But bowling is much thicker than blood and he still helps Batson and
MTBC in their development programme, but on a part-time and as-and-when
basis.
Asked about the recognition given to him, he shifted the attention to
his bowlers saying it was them who brought success and he was just tagging
along.
And that is truly Holloway. A man who works very hard, but stays in the
background when success comes and lets the athletes enjoy the glory.
It is indeed hard to see such a coach like Holloway come by, who not
only is a knowledgeable coach, but who puts emphasis on his team and takes
the backseat each time they do well.
It is hardly surprising the bowlers have the utmost respect for him and
only address him as "Sir".
Not that he demanded it but it was out of respect.
Holloway's philosophy is simple: "Respect is earned and not demanded."
"I always felt the bowlers have to trust your ability for them to give
you the attention and respect," said Holloway.
"I always make it a point to be close to the bowlers because I need to
know them well enough to work with them.
"But that does not mean just because I am close with them, I compromise
when it comes to training.
"We know where to draw the line between friends and coach.
"I have never had any problems with the bowlers," said the father of
four.
His only daughter, Esther, is testimony of that.
He personally coached his 17-year-old daughter and did not spare her
from the tough regiment.
And Esther finally made the grade when she was promoted to the national
team.
Maybe, it was for this reason too, that Holloway felt it was about time
he stepped down as national coach, because the last thing he would have
wanted to hear is his daughter is in the national squad because he is the
father.
There is no doubt Esther made the national team on merit and it was a
proud moment for Holloway when she graduated into senior rank.
His eldest son, who is 31, is a pilot while the other two, aged 27 and
21, only bowl for recreation.
Holloway may have bowed out from the national team without fanfare, but
his legacy could well be continued by his daughter, who is fast turning
out to be a force to be reckoned with.
We certainly have not heard the last of Cheahs yet!
(END)