Eight core sports: Programme slammed

29 Dec 2006K. Kandiah
THE Eight Core Sports Programme steering committee headed by Tan Sri Noordin Hassan has lost direction. This damning accusation comes from Penang State Hockey Association (PSHA) secretary Ranjit Singh who feels the programme, originally meant to provide funds and monitor development programmes, is more keen on assuming completely the role of the State associations. Ranjit said the steering committee is planning and implementing programmes throughout Penang with its development officials, leaving the national and State bodies redundant."It started off with programmes being drawn and endorsed by the State association's secretary but now the column for the secretary's signature is completely missing from the forms."This is a clear indication that those managing the eight core sports programme are taking matters into their own hands, leaving us in the dark. "When we conducted training for the Under-14 and Under-16 age-groups at the Bertam Hockey Turf, they refused to pay us for the turf charges but instead advised us to train on grass," an upset Ranjit told Timesport in Bukit Gelugor yesterday.He alleged that the committee owes PSHA about RM40,000 for implementing various development programmes. Ranjit also alleged that PSHA was only reimbursed last Wednesday for hosting the national Under-14 hockey tournament in September, 2005.He also alleged that the committee is by-passing the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) in funding and implementing programmes for coaching, umpiring and technical officials in some States.MHF treasurer S. Sanjilatheeban, when contacted, said the total funding for the development of hockey under the programme is RM3.6 million. However, only RM1.6 million has been channeled through MHF to the States. Ranjit said the programme, initiated by the Sports Ministry, had succeeded in creating interest at the grassroots. "However, the implementation is questionable."I hope the Cabinet Committee for Sports will take a serious look at the problems and the implementation methods."Nordin could not be contacted for comment.