DIVING: Happy With New Partner

AFTER their exploits at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games recently, up and coming diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri is keen on continuing her winning ways with Pandelela Rinong at the Incheon Asian Games next month.

Nur Dhabitah said she has not been told of what plans national coach Yang Zhuliang has in mind for her in South Korea but is hoping to strengthen her combination with the Olympic bronze medallist.

She was unexpectedly selected to partner Pandelela, ahead of veteran Leong Mun Yee, in the women’s 10m platform synchronised event in Scotland.

Despite Nur Dhabitah carrying a hip injury and Pandelela troubled by a nagging knee injury, the duo clinched a respectable third place finish.

“I did not expect to be partnered with Pandelela at the games and I did feel a considerable amount of pressure when I was told that I was paired with her,” said the 15-year-old, when met at an appreciation ceremony yesterday for Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) students that had competed in Glasgow.

“Pandelela is a star and it was somewhat intimidating for me at first as I was not ‘very close’ with her before this.

“But she has proved to be a very good mentor for me. She taught me a lot during our time together and we get along well.

“Although she is a lot more senior than me, she listens to what opinions I have and we discuss a lot about our dives.

“I would definitely like the opportunity to partner her again at the Asian Games but it is up to the coach (Zhuliang) to decide.”

Nur Dhabitah, who partnered Mun Yee to a gold at the Myanmar Sea Games last year, added that the Commonwealth Games was an eye opening experience which has given her the confidence that she can mature into a world class diver.

“My confidence levels were not really that high going into the games as the standard of competition in Glasgow was on a much higher level compared to the Sea Games.

“But our performance there has given me the belief that I can reach that kind of standard. My goal is to win a medal at the Asian Games. It does not matter if it comes in the platform or springboard events.”

The other BJSS students that competed in Glasgow were Yap Sean Yee, Iskandar Alwi (both athletics), Loh Zhiayi (diving), Amy Kwan Dict Weng, Fatin Zakirah Jalany Zain Zalany (both gymnastics), Fatin Shafika Mohd Sukri (hockey), Eddy Chew (shooting), Tern Jian Han, Welson Sim (both swimming) and Lee Rou You (table tennis).

Bukit Jalil Sports School students at the appreciation ceremony yesterday. Pic by Hasriyasyah Sabudin

Dhabitah Relishes Another Chance To Partner Pandelela

Dhabitah (right) will jump at another opportunity to partner Pandelela again. - GLENN GUAN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri will jump at the chance to partner Pandelela Rinong again in the future.

The 15-year-old Dhabitah was thrust into the unknown when she was asked to partner 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Pandelela in the women’s 10m platform synchro at the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games. And they did not disappoint, winning a surprise bronze.

“Lela’s the star of our team ... I was never close to her before the Games. But in Glasgow, I learnt so much from her. She taught me a lot of things. I’d love to be paired with her again if given the chance,” said Dhabitah, who was one of the 11 student-athletes honoured by the Bukit Jalil Sports School at its appreciation ceremony in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The others were Yap Sean Yee and Iskandar Alwi (athletics), Loh Zhiayi (diving), Amy Kwan and Fatin Zakirah Jalany Zain Jalany (rhythmic gymnastics), Fatin Shafika Mohd Sukri (women’s hockey), Eddy Chew (shooting), Tern Jian Han and Welson Sim (swimming) and Lee Rou You (table tennis).


Apart from Dhabitah, the others who medalled at the Games were Rou You (silver in the women’s table tennis team event) and Amy and Fatin (team bronze in the rhythmic gymnastics competition).

Dhabitah has had a good run at multi-sport events.

She made a stellar debut at last year’s Myanmar SEA Games, winning the 10m platform synchro gold with Leong Mun Yee.

Now, she is working hard to make an impact at the Incheon Asian Games in South Korea from Sept 19-Oct 4.

She confessed that winning the bronze in Glasgow was more “special” compared to the SEA Games gold.

“Before going to Glasgow, I had doubts about my own ability. But after winning the bronze, my confidence level went up another level. I know can reach the highest level in world diving. I just have to keep working at it and hopefully come good in the Asiad,” said Dhabitah.

Local Athletes Face Up To Task Of Training During The Fasting Month

Asmalia warming up before a training session.

WHILE Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan, some Muslim athletes have the added challenge of training during this period while they observe their religious duty.

National gymnast Nur Eli Ellina Azmi, 19, who took up the sport as an eight-year-old, said there were not much changes in her diet during Ramadan.

“For sahur, I would eat rice with some protein, vegetables and fruit,” said Ellina, who became a national gymnast at the age of 12.

She added that her morning intake was usually adequate to ensure that she had enough energy to train during the day.

“During the fasting month, we (Muslim gymnasts) tend to ask our coach for morning training sessions instead,” Ellina said, adding that they usually had more energy in the morning.

“Our (non-Muslim) teammates have been very understanding and do not mind accommodating to our suggestions,” she said.

The third semester Sports Science student at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) said their training sessions sometimes varied because of ongoing classes.

Ellina said training while fasting has been tolerable, with thirst being more of an issue than hunger.

“It’s harder if weare training in a non air-conditioned environment,” she said.

Not unlike Ellina, swimmer Asmalia Filzati Redzuan, 15, ensures that her intake atsahur is enough to get her through training.

For sahur, she has dates, accompanied by rice, chicken and vegetables.

She also drinks a litre of water to stay hydrated.

Asmalia, who started swimming at the age of four and began competitive swimming at seven, trains five times a week at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil.

“It’s quite tough to train while fasting,” Asmalia said, adding that she was obviously slower during training.

“Before, I had two training sessions but now I only have one.”

Asmalia swims approximately four to five kilometres a session, while workouts and core exercises are also part of the training regime.

Asmalia, who specialises in freestyle and butterfly, drinks another litre of water when breaking fast to replenish fluids lost during training.

National squash player, Zulhijjah Azan, 24, cites thirst as the biggest challenge in training while fasting.

“I’m training with non-Muslims and they have more energy than me (during training),” she said.

Training can last between one-and-a-half to two hours per session and Zulhijjah takes it easy by not pushing herself too much.

They train in the afternoons, while the evening sessions are on alternative days and comprise gym work and running.

As with many Muslim athletes, Zulhijjah has tweaked her training regime to cope during Ramadan.

She usually trains six times a week but only once a day during the fasting month.

“Instead of training for two hours I train for one,” she said, adding that her coach and teammates have been understanding.

SEA Games Winner Kimbeley Yap Injured In Accident

PETALING JAYA: Double SEA Games gold medallist Kimbeley Yap (pic) was injured in an accident at the Penchala Link while cycling home on Wednesday.

It is learnt that the bicycle she was riding on was rammed from the rear by a car believed to a Toyota Harrier.

She was rushed to the University Malaya Medical Centre for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

A CT scan report showed that none of her vital organs were damaged. According to doctors, she suffered a tear on her thigh and calf.

The incident occurred at 8.45am just after she had cycled past a tunnel.

Teachers Are A Good Sport (NST)

10 Things You Didn't Know About Pandelela

 

Pandelela Rinong may have won a lot of competitions, but deep down she's just a regular girl at heart.

A BRONZE medal in the 10m platform at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London catapulted her to superstardom in Malaysia. Yet, even with her growing popularity as the poster child of Malaysian sports, Pandelela Rinong has managed to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground.

Despite the medals and trophies she has won, deep down the 20-year-old is just a regular girl who wants to travel the world and loves all things K-pop.

Want to know her better?

Here are 10 things you might not know about Malaysia's dive queen:

1. I am Pandelela

She says her name “Pande” is similar to the Malay word “padai” (smart). But, her diving coach and friends call her Lela. And mum has a special nickname for her – Nong.

2. No diving? She’d be a gymnast!

“I love watching gymnastics, so if I wasn’t diving, I’d love to have taken up either artistic or rhythmic gymnastics, possibly perform a floor or ribbon routine. I love the colourful ribbon,” shares Pandelela.

3. The power of prayer

Every athlete has their own way to prepare for that all important match/competition. This is how Pandelela prepares: “My special routine is to call or text my family to tell them that I’m going to compete and we pray together.”

4. Training

You might think this top athlete loves training, and you would be wrong. “I don’t enjoy my everyday training ... in fact I hate it (laughs). I think the plus point of that is that I get to chat and gossip with my team-mates. But I like doing gym work. And I much prefer the training sessions right before a competition. And if I’m not training, it’s sambal udang petai, chicken wings and carrot milk for me ... and seafood.”

Pandelela Rinong loves gym work more than actual training.

5. Guilty pleasures

Just like a lot of Malaysians her age, Pandelela likes K-pop.

“I like to dance to catchy K-pop songs and learn their dance moves. I have to admit I’m not good at singing but I still sing along to their songs. But it’s quite embarrassing to show this side of me to people other than my friends,” she admits

6. Budding traveller

“I’d love to travel and see the world. I do get to visit countries when I compete but if I have a competition to focus on, I can’t really enjoy the experience. I’d love to go to Seoul, South Korea, because I want to see where my K-pop idols Bing Bang live and see them in concert. Next on the list is Japan … simply to see cosplay events and the sakura trees,” she says.

7. I <3 Totoro

Pandelela is a HUGE Totoro fan. Totoro is a character from the Japanese anime My Neighbor Totoro.

“I love all things Totoro. Basically, I buy anything that is associated with Totoro. I also collect Totoro toys and dolls. I have everything from Totoro bed sheets, bags, shirts, hat and stuffed toys!”

Pandelela Rinong is a big fan of Tororo - can you tell?

8. Biggest boo-boo

She is not perfect and not embarrassed to admit it either.

“It was a in 2010 during the diving World Series in Mexico. I was too focused and took the wrong position for the dive – it was different from the one that was called by the announcer. Then the whistle blew just before my coach called my name and I realised I was in the wrong position. I quickly changed my position and did the correct dive. But I was given zero points for the dive because once the whistle sounds, everyone should remain silent.”

9. Higher and higher

“High diving has a higher platform which is more challenging. I would like to challenge myself with that, but Malaysia does not have a high diving plaform yet. If I have the chance to travel overseas and try it, I surely will.”

10. Tennis idol

Who would she like to meet at the Laureus Awards in KL on March 26?

“(Rafael) Nadal, please ... (laughs). I admire his work ethic, he’s so hardworking! And I always see him play on ESPN.”

Sabah, Sarawak The New Hotbed Of Talents

Pandelela Rinong credits the growth of diving in Sarawak to the former diving coach (China’s Wan Jinglan) who was very hands-on and hardworking.

FACTS and figures are fascinating on their own. But when you add sports to that equation – it’s a whole new level of excitement.

Did you know that most NBA (National Basketball Association) players come from California, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago? Think NBA Finals MVP’s Paul Pierce (2005), Michael Jordan (1991-1993, 1995-1998), Kobe Bryant (2008-2010) and Dwayne Wade (2005).

It’s the same for the NFL – with the lion’s share of the US National Football League coming from California (Troy Aikman, Dan Fouts) and Southern states like Texas (cornerback Jimmy Johnson) and Florida (Warren Sapp, Emmitt Smith).

What about Malaysia? Would certain states be more susceptible to churning out high-quality athletes?

At the 2012 London Olympics, Malaysia sent 30 athletes. Perak and Terengganu had the highest representation with five athletes each.

The trio from Sarawak were all divers – Bryan Nickson Lomas, Pandelela Rinong and Traisy Vivien Tukiet.

Multiple SEA Games medallist Diana Bong going through her moves during the wushu competition at last year's SEA Games in Myanmar.

Today, Sabah and Sarawak boast some of our top sportsmen and women, including Pandelela, swimmer Daniel Bego, wushu exponent Diana Bong and karate exponent Leong Tze Wai.

In fact, quite a number of our swimmers and divers come from the east Malaysian states.

Where the money is

Anyone might think the big cities with higher population density (Federal Territory and Selangor) would have an advantage over states like Sabah and Sarawak, who don’t necessarily have the same ease of access to amenities or long-reaching funding arm as their counterparts.

However, this is not the case. The east Malaysian states look set to be the hotbed for supplying Malaysia with a slew of sporting icons in the coming years.

Some of their hottest exports have included the likes of Sabah-born Olympian swimmers Alex Lim Keng Liat and Elvin Chia, and Dayak sprinter Watson Nyambek, who still holds the men’s 100m national record.

For Sarawak, the torch has been passed on to the likes of Kuching-born Olympian Daniel who won a record five gold medals at the 2009 SEA Games, multiple SEA Games medallist Diana, World Champion bowler Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore and of course, 2012 Olympics and 2013 FINA World Championship bronze medallist Pandelela.

There’s also a host of upcoming stars in the mould of 2013 SEA Games silver medallists Casier Renee Kelley (hammer throw), Erika Kong, Vernon Lee, Welson Sim (swimmers), Esmelda Arecia Menti Alfred Geling (artistic gymnastics).

The competition is on

Selangor State Sports Council's deputy director of development Mohamed Nizam Marjugi calls Sabah and Sarawak the darkhorses of Malaysian sports. The other states don't always know what to expect from them, and as such they should never be discounted as worthy opponents.

“It's hard to predict. We don't get to compete with them year-round so there's always a little question mark when we have to go up against them. But that said, it is undeniable that they are producing top talents. Our most successful swimmers and divers come from Sarawak. All the states work hard. You can't deny the good work they are doing out there,” he says.

Sarawak’s State Sports Council acting director Lucas Kallang Laeng says there is no race to be the top producer of athletes. He insists it is a service to the country.

“We’re not trying to compete with Peninsular,” emphasises Lucas.

“Our mission is to keep producing sporting talents and that’s what we’re concentrating on and what all the states are doing,” he adds.

Grassroots development

Lucas informs that Sarawak’s success comes off the back of the state tapping into the ready-made talent pool that is available in schools.

One of the key ingredients to Sarawak’s success is their emphasis on nurturing young talents via a calculated grassroots programme that encompasses development and excellence.

“It’s a systematic approach, and we also have additional support from various academies, and sports clubs that actively keep their sports programme going. So, all the stakeholders are doing a very good job at sustaining the development.

“But it’s no easy feat, it’s not like in Semenanjung where you can just cycle or take a bus ride to your training centre. Sarawak is a big state and to develop one sport itself takes a lot of planing and funding and we work on a very tight budget. But we are used to it,” explains Lucas.

One such product of their grassroots development is Pandelela, the petite braveheart from Kampung Jugan in Bau who has gone on to become Malaysia’s poster child for sports.

“Diving was unheard of back then. Swimming, wushu and badminton were quite popular in my school ... actually almost everyone swims in Sarawak. Even I tried those sports before I took up diving!” quips Pandelela.

“What made the difference with me was that the state diving coach at that time (China’s Wan Jinglan) was very hands-on, very hardworking. She was also the one who discovered Bryan (Nickson Lomas). So, having dedicated individuals on the ground actually spotting and nurturing the talent is equally important,” she adds.

Although Sarawak’s strong suit has always been in aquatics, due to the proactive efforts of the Sarawak Swimming Association, the state is now expanding its interest in sports like artistic gymnastics, football and golf among others.

The hiring of Bulgarian Bogomil Momchilov as the state coach has brought dividends to gymnastics in Sarawak and the result is obvious with Esmelda's burgeoning talent.

The former national coach who took Esmelda under his wing at age eight was able to turn her into a rising star in five years. The 13-year-old shone brightest at last year’s Sukma (Malaysia Games), winning two gold, three silver and one bronze medals, being awarded the Best Sportswoman title in the process. She followed that up by winning the national junior champion title four months later.

Esmelda Arecia Menti Alfred Geling won two gold, three silver and one bronze medals at last year's Sukma, where she was awarded the Best Sportswoman.

Focus on infrastructure

Not to be left behind, Sabah has decided to focus on hockey.

They made their debut at last year’s Malaysian Hockey Confederation Under-21 Hockey Championship, fielding one of the youngest teams in the tournament with an average age of 16.

They finished fourth out of a seven-team Group A. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in the state’s grand scheme of becoming title contenders at Sukma in Perlis from May 24-June 14.

What’s more, Sabah now boasts nine hockey turfs – four of which are situated in the state capital of Kota Kinabalu. In comparison, the reigning U-21 champions Selangor have only two sub-standard pitches to work on.

It’s a clear statement of intent on the part of the state.

“We (Sabah) used to be the punching bag of hockey. Well, not any more. Our development plans go deep and we’ve got players for our U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-21. And hopefully, by 2020, we’ll see many more Sabahans donning the national team jersey,” says Sabah Hockey Association representative Avtar Singh Bal.

They are already starting to make their presence felt in the ongoing MHC Malaysian Junior Hockey League. There are currently seven Sabahans playing in Division One. In Division Two, Olak-PKT drafted four young Sabahans – Aldrian Jalk, Maxhans Christi, Mawardi Hamirin and Zakhri Esar, all aged 18. Mawardi was also Sabah’s top scorer during the U-21 championships, netting four goals.

Olak-PKT team manager Joseph De Silva says the foursome had come highly recommended.

“I was told that there were some good talents in Sabah and I spoke to a few coaches like Dedi Saputra (Abd Rasyid) and also watched them play the U-21 tournament. They’re young and, for their age group, they’re very good. Give the right exposure and in time they’ll be the ones to watch,” says Joseph.

“Sabah is slowly producing better players. They have nine turfs now. So, they’re really starting to get aggressive with (hockey) development there and that’s a good thing,” he adds.

Conclusion

While plans are a great way to start something, implementing them is a whole other aspect.

And though roughly 1,200km away from Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak have proven that sometimes, what you need is not an over-the top, ambitious, big-cash programme to attain success.

It may be as simple as having the right intentions, the right people and the diligence to dig deep, work hard and see the plan through.

Changes To MSSM Programme Aimed At Nurturing Talent

For better results: Ee Hong launching the MSSM 2014 calendar. With her are Nestle products sports marketing manager Ng Ping Loong (left) and Education Ministry Sports Division deputy director Abdul Halim Ismail.

THE Under-12 age group events for six sports in the Milo-Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) programme, will be held during the off-season in September and October.

Previously, the six sports — bowling, sepak takraw, netball, hockey, football and volleyball — were part of the main event, which also catered for the Under-15 and Under-18 age groups.

However beginning this year, the Under-12 events will be held after the UPSR.

This will allow the participating teams to concentrate on their examinations during the first-half season and give all their attention to the sports events in the second-half season.

Education Ministry Sports Department director Ee Hong said that the new format would allow the pupils involved in the six sports to develop their full potential.

“The focus is on developing their skills. We are confident the new format will bring out the best in the children,’’ she said after launching the MSSM calendar for 2014.

This year’s MSSM will have 24 sports — cross-country, cricket, sailing, golf, archery, chess, squash, rhythmic gymnastics, aquatics, table tennis, bowling, athletics, netball, sepak takraw, softball, tennis, badminton, artistic gymnastics, hockey, football, handball, rugby, volleyball and basketball.

The MSSM programme for the year will kick off with the Milo-MSSM Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 26.

The MSSM will also be taking part in international competitions, namely Little Athletics championships, Asian Schools Hockey Tournament, Asian Schools Football Under-15 championship, Asian Schools Volleyball championships, Asian Schools Cross Country championships, Asian Schools Tennis championships, Asian Schools Football Under-18 championship and Asean Schools Games.

Malaysia will be hosting the Asian Schools Hockey tournament.

The Asean Schools Games, to be hosted by the Philippines, consists of 12 sports — athletics, sepak takraw, badminton, basketball, volleyball, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, aquatics, table tennis, golf, tennis and wushu.

The MSSM, Ee Hong said, would work with all the state education departments in ensuring that the sports programmes were successful.

“The district schools sports council has also initiated training programmes. We are also working closely with the National Sports Association for the development of sports. We are grateful to have sponsors supporting our programmes,’’ she said.

Besides Milo, the other sponsors are Asia Pacific Sport, Gajah Emas, Pallas, Challenger, Sunlight, Vik Network, Salbros, Cita Usaha Jaya Resources, Ossia World of Golf, Figos and Astro Arena.

Ee Hong said they were also pleased with the performances of several students in the Myanmar SEA Games.

“High-jumper Nauraj Singh, diver Mohammad Nazreen Abdullah and archer Haziq Kamaruddin have benefitted from programmes initiated by the MSSM,’’ she added.

Datuk Marina In NST

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin presents a excellent service award to Datuk Marina Chin at the Education Ministry's function in Putrajaya today. -- NSTP/ Fariz Iswadi Ismail.



Read more: DPM: Gauge Keadilan's sincerity in upcoming Kajang by-election - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/dpm-gauge-keadilan-s-sincerity-in-upcoming-kajang-by-election-1.472326#ixzz2rkSqtYIx

SEA Games Report Card: Juniors Did Good

Hit and miss. National Sports Council's director-general Zolkples Embong was full of praise for national back-up athletes who did well at the Myanmar SEA Games which ended on Sunday, and critical of some sports that failed to live up to expectations. - Filepic

NAYPYITAW: The Malaysian young guns have proved their worth at the Myanmar SEA Games.

Out of a total haul of 43-38-77, a total of nine golds, four silvers and 12 bronzes came from the national back-up team.

And that is good news for Malaysia, who are searching for new stars to make a stronger assault at the Asian and Olympic Games.

“This is the highest-ever gold medal contribution by the back-up athletes in our SEA Games history, And it does not include the young athletes who are already in the elite squad,” said a proud NSC director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong.

The men’s back-up athletes who won golds are Lim Chee Wei (men’s kata individual), the men’s kata team (Chee Wei, Leong Tze Wai and Emmanuel Leong Theng Keong), Eddy Chew (shooting), Sentil Kumaran Selvarajoo (men’s kumite’s below 60kg), Mohd Irfan Shamsuddin (discus) and Nauraj Singh Randhawa (high jump).

Gole medallists S. Shree Sharmini (kumite below 68kg), pencak silat’s Nor Hamizah Abu Hassan and Nur Syazreen Abdul Malik (ganda double) and wushu’s Phoon Eyin are from the women’s back-up squad.

For the 18-year-old Irfan, the NSC have big plans for him.

“He is one of our outstanding athletes here and we will continue to give him the right exposure. He is our star for the future,” said Zolkples.

Of the country’s multiple gold medallists, Zolkples was full of praise for Mohd Jironi Riduan for winning golds in the 800m and 1,500m.

“This is Jironi’s last SEA Games and he showed great determination and pushed himself hard to the finish line. He will now become our coach at the Bandar Penawar Sports School.”

Zolkples, however, was disappointed with four sports – football, sepaktakraw, archery (compound) and cycling (road).

“We invested so much on sepaktakraw and they could not even nick one out of the 18 gold medals. These sports need to review their performances,” said Zolkples.

Other assessments by NSC

• A total of 13 sports were given excellent billing for winning gold medals – swimming (4), diving (8), badminton (1), billiards and snooker (1), bodybuilding (1), equestrian (3), hockey (2), karate (7), shooting (1), muay (2), sailing (2), wushu (3), archery recurve (2).
• Five sports – cycling, football, archery compound, athletics and pencak silat – failed to meet the gold medal target.
• Six sports – equestrian, badminton, karate, muay, swimming, billiards and snooker – delivered more than they promised.
• Six national records were set through Mohd Irfan Shamsuddin (men’s discus), Jackie Wong Siew Cheer (men’s hammer), Mohd Hakimi Ismail (men’s triple jump), Iskandar Alwi (men’s pole vault), men’s 4x200m freestyle (Lim Ching Hwang, Kevin Yeap, Daniel Bego and Welson Sim) and Nor Khasida Abdul Halim (women’s weightlifting, 69kg).

The Stars Of The Games

Ooi Tze Liang and his Malaysian diving team-mates pose after emerging as the top nation in diving at the Myanmar SEA Games with a clean sweep of eight gold medals.

NAYPYITAW: There were many winners from Malaysia in the recently concluded 27th SEA Games in Myanmar. Some were expected to do well, while others produced great performances that surprised us. Here's a look at some who made an impression during the 11-day Games.


WUSHU
Schoolgirl Phoon Eyin came to Myanmar as a nobody but she left as a star after securing Malaysia’s historical 1,000th gold medal of the Games.

The 17-year-old Eyin, who sat for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations last month, gave an outstanding performance to score 9.67 points to become a surprise winner in the women’s qiangshu (spear).

She has a bright future and the Malaysian Wushu Federation (MWF) will be banking on her to deliver the gold in the Asian Games in Incheon in September.

Eyin is still young and is eligible to compete in at least four more SEA Games.

ATHLETICS

Burly teenager Mohd Irfan Shamsuddin created a big surprise by rewriting his national record five times in six throws en route to winning the men’s discus gold. The 18-year-old improved his national record from 50.77m to 53.16m. His previous national record of 49.90m was set in last month’s Brunei Open.

Irfan also earned a berth in next year’s Under-19 World Junior Championships in Oregon, the United States, in July. The qualifying mark for the championships is 51.50m.

DIVING

Ooi Tze Liang’s campaign did not start well as he had to settle for the silver behind team-mate Mohd Nazreen in the individual 10m platform final. But the 20-year-old Penangite, in his second Games appearance, recovered to become the most successful Malaysian athlete at these Games with three golds.

He emerged tops in the springboard individual, synchro 3m springboard with Ahmad Amsyar Azman and the 10m platform synchro with Nazreen.

KARATE

Lim Chee Wei put up a superb performance to beat his three opponents with identical 5-0 scores en route to the individual kata gold.

The 22-year-old Penangite also partnered Leong Tze Wai and Emmanuel Leong Theng Keong to beat Myanmar’s Min Hein Khant, Ko Kyaw Kyaw and Aung Song Mie 4-1 to win the kata team gold.

It was a fantastic month for Chee Wei, having bagged two bronzes in the kata individual and team events in the Asian Championships in Dubai early this month.

MUAY

Mohd Faizal Ramli was not expected to win as he was up against Myanmar’s Aung Myint Win in the 75kg final. But he stunned Myint Win to win Malaysia’s 43rd and final gold. It was a sensational win for Faizal as he strolled to a 3-0 victory to silence the partisan home crown.

It was a grand outing for the Malaysian muay team as they won two golds. Mohd Lokman Akimi Mat Roji was the other hero, clinching gold in the 51kg class with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Vietnam’s Nguyen Ngo Trieu Nhat.

Marina Manfaat Sukan Zaman Remaja

Marina dan pelajarnya dalam program Milo's Go Further Camps.

Marina, gadis cantik yang memilih untuk memanfaatkan zaman remajanya berbakti kepada negara dalam bidang sukan

Marina, gadis cantik yang memilih untuk memanfaatkan zaman remajanya berbakti kepada negara dalam bidang sukan.

NAMA Marina Chin tidak perlu diperkenalkan lagi dalam arena sukan ranah air. Meskipun lebih 30 tahun berlalu, lagenda yang mencipta gelaran ratu pecut dan lari berpagar dalam sukan olahraga ini meraih banyak rekod sukan yang mengagumkan.

Pengetua Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil ini tidak pernah terduga bakal terlibat dalam dunia sukan sekali gus menyandang gelaran olahragawati Malaysia, namun, menyedari diri berkebolehan dalam bidang ini, beliau memutuskan untuk memanfaatkan zaman remajanya demi mengharumkan nama negara.

Dalam masa sama, keghairahan mengejar cita-cita sebagai cikgu tidak pernah luntur dan dikejar, meskipun terlalu sibuk dengan jadual latihan sukan dan pertandingan.
"Penglibatan dalam sukan telah membantu dalam pembangunan karakter saya. Sebelum menceburi bidang sukan, saya pemalu. Sukan mengajar saya pelbagai nilai murni yang tidak dapat dipelajari daripada buku sahaja.

“Cita-cita dan tanggungjawab kepada negara berjalan seiring. Saya gembira kerana saya memperoleh kedua-duanya. Sebab itu, selepas mengambil alih sebagai pengetua saya terapkan nilai keseimbangan antara sukan dan akademik kepada pelajar-pelajar." kata bekas cikgu Pendidikan Jasmani dan Bahasa Inggeris ini.

Cabaran tadbir sekolah sukan

Sistem pembelajaran sekolah sukan sama seperti sekolah biasa yang menyenaraikan mata pelajaran wajib. Mereka diberikan fleksibiliti menerusi pembelajaran berdasarkan modul, di mana pelajar boleh membawa modul itu ke mana-mana mereka pergi termasuk ketika latihan atau temasya luar negara.

Ternyata, pendekatan diambil Marina membolehkan 467 pelajarnya menyusun waktu belajar lebih sistematik.

“Waktu belajar juga fleksibel. Pada malam Isnin, Selasa dan Rabu ada kelas malam dari jam 8.30 hingga 9.50 malam. Sabtu Ahad juga akan ada kelas gantian.

Pelajar yang terlibat dengan kejohanan pula akan diberi kelonggaran mengambil peperiksaan sebelum atau selepas kejohanan. Tiada pengecualian. Malah, sekiranya kejohanan di luar negara, pihak sekolah akan aturkan guru untuk pergi ke tempat latihan mereka agar tidak ketinggalan dalam pelajaran,” katanya.

Anugerah sukan dan akademik peringkat sekolah

Ditanya bagaimana beliau mendorong para pelajarnya memperoleh keputusan cemerlang dalam kedua-dua bidang, Marina berkata, sekolah menyediakan anugerah bulanan dan tahunan.

“Sekolah juga bekerjasama dengan Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) mengadakan majlis Anugerah Gemilang yang diadakan setiap tahun.” katanya.

Bagi pelajar yang mewakili Malaysia dan wakil negeri dalam Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) juga diberikan ganjaran lain. Bagi Marina, ini adalah perubahan mengikut zaman.

“Zaman saya dulu semuanya sendirian berhad. Nak pergi latihan pun kena duit sendiri. Inisiatif sendiri. Tapi semangat bersukan tu tinggi jadi kami tak pentingkan soal kewangan. Selagi boleh sara sendiri, saya sara diri sendiri. Ada masanya bapa turut membantu. Pada zaman sekarang tak boleh.

" Saya ingin berterima kasih kepada jenama korporat seperti MILO kerana banyak memberi sumbangan kepada kanak-kanak Malaysia untuk berjaya dalam bidang sukan.Sokongan yang diberikan oleh MILO turut membantu membakar semangat pelajar kami untuk terus berjaya dalam sukan,” sambungnya.

Zaman kanak-kanak paling indah
Berkongsi cerita di zaman kanak-kanaknya, Marina dengan mesra berkata, beliau bercita-cita menjadi cikgu dan kerana itulah sejak kecil, beliau selalu menjadi cikgu kepada kawan-kawan sekampung di Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.

“Masa kecil saya memang tomboi sedikit. Tubuh badan saya tinggi dan besar dari rakan sebaya dan budak lelaki. Waktu petang kami selalu main cikgu-cikgu dan saya akan jadi cikgu untuk ajar budak-budak lain. Lepas main cikgu-cikgu kami main lumba lari. Masa tu kawan-kawan perempuan tak lari sepantas saya jadi saya selalu bersaing dengan budak-budak lelaki. Kami berlari dari satu pokok ke satu pokok untuk lawan siapa menang,” katanya disusuli ketawa.

Ternyata, kenangan zaman kanak-kanaknya begitu manis untuk dikenang. Begitu juga zaman remaja yang mana sebahagiannya dimanfaatkan dengan memenuhi jadual latihan. Semangat dan keinginan untuk mengharumkan nama negara itu menjadi matlamatnya yang paling utama.

“Terus terang sebagai atlet Malaysia saya amat serius dengan sukan. Saya sanggup korban banyak perkara termasuk pergaulan dengan kawan-kawan. Saya tak ada teman lelaki. Dan saya tak ada masa nak layan orang yang kacau-kacau saya.

“Selepas tamat tingkatan lima saya menyambung pengajian di Maktab Perguruan Seri Kota, Kuala Lumpur sebelum mengajar di Sekolah Menengah Perempuan Jalan Ampang pada 1976.

“Ketika itu saya masih ingat, saya mengajar sesi petang jadi sebelah pagi saya akan naik dua bas dari Sentul ke Kampung Pandan untuk sesi latihan berlari. Saya mandi dan bersiap di sana kemudian naik dua bas lagi untuk ke sekolah di Ampang. Begitulah rutin harian saya sehingga bapa belikan kereta pada tahun kedua saya jadi cikgu.

Berhenti jadi atlet?

Ditanya adakah gelaran atlet telah memberikan pengaruh besar kepada pelajar-pelajarnya, Marina berkata, ia pernah berlaku

“Saya mengajar Bahasa Inggeris dan Pendidikan Jasmani. Semasa saya menang pingat di Sukan Sea 1977, saya disambut dengan sebilangan pelajar perempuan memotong rambut ala rambut saya. Saya betul-betul terharu dan tak sangka ada kelab peminat,” katanya

Pemilik wajah cantik yang menjadi rebutan ramai jejaka ini dikhabarkan tidak lagi meneruskan karier selepas melanjutkan pelajaran ke Amerika Syarikat pada 1980, Marina bagaimanapun menafikan.

“Saya masih training dan wakil universiti. Pada 1980 sepatutnya kita pergi ke OLIMPIK tapi Malaysia boikot sebab Rusia masuk Afganistan jadi tak balik Malaysia untuk sebarang kejohanan besar. Pada 1981 saya ke Jepun dan mewakili Malaysia dalam Asia Track & Field dan dapat pingat emas dalam 4 x 400 meter. Kerana alami kecederaan saya tak dapat masuk sukan SEA,” kata graduan Sarjana Muda Sains dan Sarjana Kesusasteraan bidang Pengurusan Sukan ini dari Ohio State University ini.

Marina menyumbang khidmatnya di Kementerian Pendidikan, selain terlibat sebagai aktivis dalam usaha memartabatkan sukan Malaysia.

Pesanan Marina kepada pelajar-pelajar agar sentiasa konsisten dan tidak perlu memilih antara sukan dan pelajaran.

“Lakukan kedua-duanya dengan keyakinan dan pengorbanan tinggi. Saya yakin anda mampu mengembalikan kegemilangan Malaysia dalam sukan sepertimana suatu ketika dahulu,” katanya.

INFO PENCAPAIAN

- March 1972, Marina memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan acara 200 meter dengan catatan 26.6 saat, 0.2 saat mengatasi rekod lama pada Kejohanan Allcomers Persatuan Olahraga Amatur Selangor di Stadium Merdeka.

- Pingat Perak lari berpagar 400 meter Kejohanan Olahraga Asia di Seoul, Korea Selatan.

- September 1972 sekali lagi memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan, acara lari berpagar 100 meter dengan catatan 15.2 saat, serta acara 400 meter lari berpagar dengan catatan 64.9 saat di Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Singapura.

- Meraih emas acara 100 meter lari berpagar dengan catatan 15.3 saat Kejohanan Olahraga Jemputan Filipina di Manila.

- Memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan dengan catatan 28.4 saat dalam acara lari berpagar 200 meter pada Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Malaysia di Alor Star, Kedah pada Ogos 1976.

- Dinobatkan selaku Olahragawati Kebangsaan dan Selangor untuk dua tahun berturut-turut, 1976 dan 1977.

- Sukan Sea 1977, Marina meraih emas berganda acara 100 dan 200 meter, dan hampir menyamai pencapaian sifunya, M Rajamani dengan meraih emas ketiga jika tidak gara-gara kerana kesilapan pengadilan.

- Pada 1979 pula, gandingan Marina bersama Saik Oik Cum, V.Angamah dan Zaiton Othman menghadiahkan Malaysia pingat Perak acara 4x400 meter pada Kejohanan Antarabangsa Trek & Padang Asia Tokyo.

- Emas acara lari berpagar 100 meter, dan 4x400 meter pada Kejohanan Sukan Sea ke-10 Jakarta.

Bukit Jalil Net The Title

BY Y.P.SIVAM

Eye on the ball: BJSS and Hoerskool Marais Viljoen (in blue) involved in a keen battle for the ball.

BUKIT Jalil Sports School (BJSS) put on a gallant display to defeat fancied South Africans Hoerskool Marais Viljoen 31-28 in the final of the BJSS International Under-16 netball tournament at the Olympic Hall in Bukit Jalil.

It was indeed an achievement for BJSS as they had several players from the 13-15 age-group in their team, while the South African side comprised mostly 16-year-olds.

BJSS coach Puah Pei San said the players gave a good account themselves and matched their opponents in all quarters.

“It was a close final and could have gone either way. The South African players were physically stronger and the majority of them had height to their advantage.

“Our players showed excellent team work to get the better of their opponents,’’ added Pei San.

BJSS, with L. Karisma and An Najwa Azizan in attack, started impressively and exploited holes in the Hoerskool Marais Viljoen defence.

The first quarter went to BJSS 10-6. However Hoerskool Marais Viljoen had a sharp shooter in Chrisna Wolmarans and she impressed scoring from almost every attempt.

The second quarter ended 17-14 with BJSS holding the edge.

In the third quarter both teams played an aggressive game — going for the points — and the tall Chrisna put Hoerskool Marais Viljoen 24-23 ahead i.

BJSS, realising they needed to step-up their game, increased the pace in the final quarter and An Najwa and Karisma showed excellent team work to get them ahead. In the end BJSS won by three points.

Pei San said despite trailing in the third quarter, their players kept their composure in the last quarter.

“We had a pep talk at the break and advised them to be on the offensive. They were indeed motivated and played with grit and determination. They were simply superb,’’ added Pei San.

Besides, BJSS and Hoerskool Marais Viljoen , six foreign teams — Hong Kong Academy, Raffles Girls School (Singapore), Helpekaar Kollege (South Africa), Singapore Sports School, Brunei Darussalam School and Governor Stirling Senior High (Australia) — took part in the four-day competition.

BJSS’ Noor Azilah Aziz was presented with the Best Attacker award. The Best Defender award went to Hoerskool Marais Viljoen’s Beverley Moyake while Helpekaar Kollege’s Danielle Gouws won the Best Shooter award with an impressive 163 goals.

BJSS’ Nur Firra Syuhada Hasrin was named the Player of the Tournament.

BJSS principal Datuk Marina Chin gave away the prizes. The former Malaysian international said the competition was an excellent opportunity to foster relationships among the participating teams.

Roll of Honour

Final: Bukit Jalil Sports School bt Hoerskool Marais Viljoen 31-28.

Third: Helpekaar Kollege bt Hong Kong Academy 57-5.

Fifth: Raffles Girls School bt Singapore Sports School 30-23.

Seventh: Governor Stirling Senior High bt Brunei Darussalam School 38-17.

Best Attacker: Noor Azilah Aziz (BJSS)

Best Defender: Beverky Moyake (Hoerskool Marais Viljoen)

Best Shooter: Danielle Gouws (Helpekaar Kollege - 163 goals)

Best Player: Nur Firra Syuhada Hasrin (BJSS)

Youngsters Given The Chance To Prepare Before Choosing Sport To Focus On

BY Y.P. SIVAM
PHOTOS BY NORAFIFI EHSA

Airborne: Bukit Jalil’s Angel Tan Yen En leaping to a fourth-spot finish in the Under-13 girls long jump.

THERE was remarkable progress made in the athletes’ performances during the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) International Combined Events championships at the National Sports Council (NSC) Training Centre in Bukit Jalil.

The two-day championships, organised by the Bukit Jalil Sports School for a fourth season and with support from Milo, was a platform for the Under-13 and Under-14 students, both boys and girls, from various schools to gauge their progress.

Besides Bukit Jalil, six other teams — Sabah Sports School (SSMS), Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), Pahang Sports School (SSMP), Singapore Sports School (SSS), SMK Tabuan Jaya (SNKTJ) and Ubonratchathani Sports School (UBON) — took part in the championships. Two teams from Australia were unable to come due to local commitments.

Leading the pack: Parinya Kongsuk of Ubon Ratchathan set the early pace in the Under-13 boys 800m.

The championships are unique in that participants in the Under-13 age group have to compete in five events — 80m hurdles, shot putt, high jump, long jump and 800m, while those in the Under-14 age group feature in six events — 100m hurdles, high jump, 100m, long jump, shot putt and 800m.

The championships, according to event’s co-ordinator S. Entheren, was a big success.

“We saw several athletes making an impact in their respective events with new personal bests. This shows that the athletes had been training diligently since the last championships,’’ he said.

Entheren said the aim was to expose the athletes to multi-lateral events before specialising in a particular one.

“The athletes would have to train for their respective events and we wanted to see them out do their own results.

Mighty heave: Ubon Ratchathan’s Sakkarin Sunarak in the Under-13 boys shot put.

When they are 15, we expect them to specialise in one. They would be able to identify the events which suit them most,’’ he said.

Among the athletes who impressed were Tuan Juliana Hassan, Nur A’in Mohd Zulkifli and Muhammad Nazri Mustafa. The trio from Bukit Jalil Sports School recorded personal best in their favourite events.

Tuan Juliana won the gold medal in the girls’ Under-14 high jump when she cleared 1.57m. She was third in the 100m and second in the long jump and finished second overall with 3,850 points.

Nur A’in, taking part in the girls’ Under-13 age group, clocked a personal best of 12.9 en route to her third placing in the 80m hurdles. She also won a silver in the shot putt with 7.95m effort.

Muhamad Nazri was the overall winner in the boys’ Under-13 age group after being on the podium for three events. He won golds in the shot putt and high jump, and bronze in the long jump. He accumulated 3,520 points for the overall crown.

Entheren said they were pleased with the progress of the athletes from the Singapore Sports School.

“Some of them have been regulars in the championships for the past two years. They improved a lot and we hope to see them making an impact in the coming years,’’ said Entheren.

Bukit Jalil Sports School principal Datuk Marina Chin and Education Ministry’s sport division director Ee Hong gave away the prizes.

Results
Boys

Under-13

80m hurdles: 1. Arman Selatan (SSMS) 11.3; 2. Muhammad Hafizuddin Zam Zam (BJSS) 11.5; 3. Mohd Haikal Abdul Kadir (SMKTHO) 11.7.

Shot putt: 1. Muhammad Nazri Mustafa (BJSS) 10.57m; 2. Chong Wei Guan (SSS) 10.08m; 3. Mohamad Muqris Ahmad Hadi 9.92m.

High jump:1. Muhammad Nazri Mustafa (BJSS) 1.56m; 2.Muhammad Hafizuddin Zam Zam (SSTMI) 1.56m; 3. Mohammad Zairy Amirrul Khairi (SMKTHO) 1.56m.

Long jump: 1. Muhammad Hafizuddin Zam Zam (SSTMI) 6.10m; 2. Muhammad Loqman Hakim Sairu (SSMP) 5.93m; 3. Muhammad Nazri Mustafa (BJSS) 5.85m.

800m: 1. Mohd Rizuan Mohd Badar (SSMS) 2:21.6; 2. Mohd Nur Aidiel Masselan (SMKKTJ) 2:21.7; 3. Muhammad Loqman Hakim Sairu 2:23.4.

Overall: 1. Muhamad Nazri Mustafa (BJSS) 3,520 points; 2. Muhammad Hafizuddin Zam Zam (SSTMI) 3,390 points; 3. Mohamad Muqris Ahmad Radi (BJSS) 3,140 points.

Team: 1. BJSS 12,370 points; 2. SSTMI 11,770 points; 3. SMKTHO 10,200 points.

Under-14

100m hurdles: 1. Nur Izwan Abdul Mutalib (SSTMI) 13.3; 2. Muhd Nur Haqim Abu Mansor (SSS) 13.3; 3. Muhamad Fitri Anaqi Sobry (BJSS) 13.4.

High jump: Mohammad Farid Lazim (SMKTHO) 1.74m; 2. Wong Chun Wee (SMKTHO) 1.71m; 3. Amir Afiq Ahmad Zuki (SSTMI) 1.65m.

100m: 1. Luqmanul Hakim Khairul Akmal (SSMP) 11.3; 2. Muhammad Nur Firdaus Mohd Radzi (SSMP) 11.5; 3. Kang Jun Jie (SSS) 11.6.

Long jump: 1. Muhammad Fitri Anaqi Sobry (BJSS) 5.86m; 2. Jominus Joseph (BJSS) 5.76m; 3. Zainor Mohd Hamdan (SMKTJ) 5.62m.

Shot putt:1. Kang Jun Jie (SSS) 13.24m; 2. Jominus Joseph (BJSS) 12.62m; 3. Mohammad Farid Lazim (SMKTHO) 11.81m.

800m: 1. Luqmanul Hakim Khairul Akmal (SSMP) 2:06.9; 2. Torrance Terrance (SSTMI) 2;13.2; 3. Kissada Bunmoon (UBON) 2:16.1

Overall: 1. Kang Jun Jie (SSS) 4,590 points; 2. Jominus Joseph (BJSS) 4,570 points; 3. Mohammad Farid Lazim (SMKTHO) 4,380 points.

Team: 1. BJSS 16,950 points; 2. SSTMI 16,180 points; 3. SMKTHO 14,930 points.

Girls
Under-13

80m hurdles: 1. Karmentia Nadia Quadra (SSMS) 12.7; 2. Tia Lousie Rozario (SSS) 12.8; 3. Nur A’in Mohd Zulkifli (BJSS) 12.9.

Shot putt: 1. Nurul Azieyani Md Yatim (SSTMI) 8.40m; 2. Nur A’in Mohd Zulkifli (BJSS) 7.95m; 3. Angel Tan yen En (BJSS) 7.61m.

High jump: 1. Tia Lousie Rozario (SSS) 1.52m; 2. Ng Yu Jie (SSMP) 1.49m; 3. Jezebel Koh Xin Yun 1.49m.

Long jump: 1.Tia Lousie Rozaria (SSS) 5.31m; 2. Ng Yu Jie (SSMP) 4.75m; 3. Karmentina Nadia Quadra (SSMS) 4.67m

800m :1. Karmentina Nadia Quadra (SSMS) 2:40.8; 2. K. Sunithra (SMKTJ) 2:41.8; 3. Alexfalin Francis (SMKTJ) 2:42.6

Overall: 1. Tia Louise Rozario (SSS) 3,750 points; 2. Karmentina Nadia Quadra (SSMS) 3,610; 3. Ng Su Jie (SSMP) 3,550 points.

Team: 1. BJSS 11,350 points; 2. SSTMI 9,430 points; 3. SSMP 6,150 points.

Under-14

100m hurdles: 1. Siti Nurathirah Mohd Razi (SSTMI) 16.0; 2, Syasya Izzati Mohd Nazri (BJSS) 17.3; 3. Tuan Juliana Hassan (BJSS) 17.4.

Long jump: 1.Siti Nurathirah Mohd Razi (SSTMI) 4.91m; 2. Tuan Juliana Hassan (BJSS) 4.81m; 3. Lai Hui Shan (SSMP) 4.59m

100m: 1. Siti Nurathirah Mohd Razi (SSTMI) 13.00; 2. Siti Natasshah Liyana Ibrahim (SSKTHO) 13.20; 3. Fatin Nurhanis Ibrahim (SSMP) 13.30.

Shot putt:1. Nur Izzah Md Nazri (SSTMI) 9.17m; 2. Rosniza Rosli (BJSS) 8.32m; 3. Siti Nurathirah Mohd Razi (SSTMI) 7.81m.

High jump: 1. Tuan Juliana Hassan (BJSS) 1.57m; 2. Siti Nurathirah Mohd Razi (SSTMI) 1.48m; 3. Anastasia Mandan (SSTMI) 1.39m.

800m: 1.A. Manissha (BJSS) 2:32.1; 2. Ullia Ulanda (SMKTJ) 2:36.5; 3. Celeste Goh Jia Rui (SSS) 2:37.5

Overall: 1. Siti Nurathirah Mohd Razi (SSTMI) 4,610 points; 2. Tuan Juliana Hassan (BJSS) 3,850 points; 3. Celeste Goh Jia Rui (SSS) 3,830 points.

Team: 1. BJSS 13,990 points; 2. SSTMI 15,240 points; 3. SMKTHO 11,650 points.

Marina Chin Honoured By OCM

BY RAJES PAUL

Datuk Marina Chin receiving the Women and Sport award from OCM president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja'afar at OCM's Annual Dinner and Awards Night on Nov 21, 2013.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former track queen Datuk Marina Chin continues to hog the limelight even after leaving the athletics scene nearly three decades ago.

On Thursday, the 58-year-old Marina was recognised for her tireless contributions to Malaysian sport when she was accorded the main honour as recipient of the Women and Sport award at the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s (OCM) 21st Annual Dinner and Awards Night at the Tan Sri Hamzah Hall.

Marina, who is now the principal of the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), was picked as the winner by OCM’s Women and Sport committee for her significant and outstanding contributions in the promotion, development and advancement of women in sports.

During the 70s, she was known for her prowess in the 100m hurdles, which saw her winning a total seven gold medals in the SEA Games and also nailing the 1975 and 1976 National Sportswoman of the Year awards.

OCM’s Women and Sport committee chairman Datuk Low Beng Choo said that Marina had grown into an iconic role model for many and deserved the recognition.

“Marina is distinct because she keeps giving back to the country. She was a star in athletics and then she went into coaching and, now, she is empowering so many young athletes as the BJSS principal,” said Beng Choo, who is also the OCM vice-president.

“She has not stopped contributing to the country and has played a key role in sports development. She is indeed a role model for many women.

“I am proud that we have continued to give recognition to women in sports. This is our 11th year hosting this awards ceremony and I am truly grateful to OCM for their continuous support.

“We have seen huge contributions by women athletes in winning medals at major events and we will continue to recognise their tireless work at all levels in the promotion of women in sports.”

Besides Marina, a few other women were also honoured for their contributions.

Penang Squash Association vice-chairman Linda Geh Guat Yeow took home the Women and Sport Leadership award while Ee Hong, the director of the sports division in the Education Ministry, won the Women and Sport Grassroots Development award.

For her achievements as a female technical official (cycling commissioner) at the international level, Beatrice Alfred Lajawa was handed the Technical Achievement award.

The role of parents was also given prominence when Abdul Hadi Ahmad and his wife Kimberley Ann Gagnon were honoured with the OCM Partnership award for their guidance and support towards the success of their daughters – synchronised swimmer Katrina Ann and gymnast Farah Ann.

Meanwhile, OCM also inducted 15 former athletes from various sports into their Hall of Fame, including 84-year-old Aminullah @ Amin Karim, who played hockey in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and the 83-year-old Lawrence van Huizen, who represented the country in hockey at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and twice in the Asian Games in 1958 and 1962.

Award recipients OCM Women and Sport: Datuk Marina Chin OCM Women and Sport Leadership: Linda Geh Guat Yeow OCM Women and Sport Grassroots Development: Ee Hong OCM Technical Achievement: Beatrice Alfred Lajawa OCM Partnership: Abdul Hadi Ahmad and Kimberley Ann Gagnon OCM Hall of Fame: Aminullah @ Amin Karim (hockey), Lawrence van Huizen (hockey), Datuk Ow Soon Kooi (hockey), M. Arulraj (hockey), Daphene Boudville (hockey), N. Thanabalan (football), Lim Heng Chek (swimming), Fong Seow Hor (swimming), Hector Durairatnam (cricket), Ahmad Mahmud (athletics and rugby), Datuk Kamaruddin Ghani (equestrian), Rosli Abdul Kadir (cycling), M. Vasugi (taekwondo), Dhanraj Rassiah (taekwondo) and Chai Fong Ying (wushu).

Marina Manfaat Sukan Zaman Remaja

Marina, gadis cantik yang memilih untuk memanfaatkan zaman remajanya berbakti kepada negara dalam bidang sukan.

Marina, gadis cantik yang memilih untuk memanfaatkan zaman remajanya berbakti kepada negara dalam bidang sukan.

Marina dan pelajarnya dalam program Milo's Go Further Camps.

NAMA Marina Chin tidak perlu diperkenalkan lagi dalam arena sukan ranah air. Meskipun lebih 30 tahun berlalu, lagenda yang mencipta gelaran ratu pecut dan lari berpagar dalam sukan olahraga ini meraih banyak rekod sukan yang mengagumkan.

Pengetua Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil ini tidak pernah terduga bakal terlibat dalam dunia sukan sekali gus menyandang gelaran olahragawati Malaysia, namun, menyedari diri berkebolehan dalam bidang ini, beliau memutuskan untuk memanfaatkan zaman remajanya demi mengharumkan nama negara.

Dalam masa sama, keghairahan mengejar cita-cita sebagai cikgu tidak pernah luntur dan dikejar, meskipun terlalu sibuk dengan jadual latihan sukan dan pertandingan.

"Penglibatan dalam sukan telah membantu dalam pembangunan karakter saya. Sebelum menceburi bidang sukan, saya pemalu. Sukan mengajar saya pelbagai nilai murni yang tidak dapat dipelajari daripada buku sahaja.

“Cita-cita dan tanggungjawab kepada negara berjalan seiring. Saya gembira kerana saya memperoleh kedua-duanya. Sebab itu, selepas mengambil alih sebagai pengetua saya terapkan nilai keseimbangan antara sukan dan akademik kepada pelajar-pelajar." kata bekas cikgu Pendidikan Jasmani dan Bahasa Inggeris ini.

Cabaran tadbir sekolah sukan

Sistem pembelajaran sekolah sukan sama seperti sekolah biasa yang menyenaraikan mata pelajaran wajib. Mereka diberikan fleksibiliti menerusi pembelajaran berdasarkan modul, di mana pelajar boleh membawa modul itu ke mana-mana mereka pergi termasuk ketika latihan atau temasya luar negara.

Ternyata, pendekatan diambil Marina membolehkan 467 pelajarnya menyusun waktu belajar lebih sistematik.

“Waktu belajar juga fleksibel. Pada malam Isnin, Selasa dan Rabu ada kelas malam dari jam 8.30 hingga 9.50 malam. Sabtu Ahad juga akan ada kelas gantian.

Pelajar yang terlibat dengan kejohanan pula akan diberi kelonggaran mengambil peperiksaan sebelum atau selepas kejohanan. Tiada pengecualian. Malah, sekiranya kejohanan di luar negara, pihak sekolah akan aturkan guru untuk pergi ke tempat latihan mereka agar tidak ketinggalan dalam pelajaran,” katanya.

Anugerah sukan dan akademik peringkat sekolah

Ditanya bagaimana beliau mendorong para pelajarnya memperoleh keputusan cemerlang dalam kedua-dua bidang, Marina berkata, sekolah menyediakan anugerah bulanan dan tahunan.

“Sekolah juga bekerjasama dengan Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) mengadakan majlis Anugerah Gemilang yang diadakan setiap tahun.” katanya.

Bagi pelajar yang mewakili Malaysia dan wakil negeri dalam Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) juga diberikan ganjaran lain. Bagi Marina, ini adalah perubahan mengikut zaman.

“Zaman saya dulu semuanya sendirian berhad. Nak pergi latihan pun kena duit sendiri. Inisiatif sendiri. Tapi semangat bersukan tu tinggi jadi kami tak pentingkan soal kewangan. Selagi boleh sara sendiri, saya sara diri sendiri. Ada masanya bapa turut membantu. Pada zaman sekarang tak boleh.

" Saya ingin berterima kasih kepada jenama korporat seperti MILO kerana banyak memberi sumbangan kepada kanak-kanak Malaysia untuk berjaya dalam bidang sukan.Sokongan yang diberikan oleh MILO turut membantu membakar semangat pelajar kami untuk terus berjaya dalam sukan,” sambungnya.

Zaman kanak-kanak paling indah

Berkongsi cerita di zaman kanak-kanaknya, Marina dengan mesra berkata, beliau bercita-cita menjadi cikgu dan kerana itulah sejak kecil, beliau selalu menjadi cikgu kepada kawan-kawan sekampung di Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.

“Masa kecil saya memang tomboi sedikit. Tubuh badan saya tinggi dan besar dari rakan sebaya dan budak lelaki. Waktu petang kami selalu main cikgu-cikgu dan saya akan jadi cikgu untuk ajar budak-budak lain. Lepas main cikgu-cikgu kami main lumba lari. Masa tu kawan-kawan perempuan tak lari sepantas saya jadi saya selalu bersaing dengan budak-budak lelaki. Kami berlari dari satu pokok ke satu pokok untuk lawan siapa menang,” katanya disusuli ketawa.

Ternyata, kenangan zaman kanak-kanaknya begitu manis untuk dikenang. Begitu juga zaman remaja yang mana sebahagiannya dimanfaatkan dengan memenuhi jadual latihan. Semangat dan keinginan untuk mengharumkan nama negara itu menjadi matlamatnya yang paling utama.

“Terus terang sebagai atlet Malaysia saya amat serius dengan sukan. Saya sanggup korban banyak perkara termasuk pergaulan dengan kawan-kawan. Saya tak ada teman lelaki. Dan saya tak ada masa nak layan orang yang kacau-kacau saya.

“Selepas tamat tingkatan lima saya menyambung pengajian di Maktab Perguruan Seri Kota, Kuala Lumpur sebelum mengajar di Sekolah Menengah Perempuan Jalan Ampang pada 1976.

“Ketika itu saya masih ingat, saya mengajar sesi petang jadi sebelah pagi saya akan naik dua bas dari Sentul ke Kampung Pandan untuk sesi latihan berlari. Saya mandi dan bersiap di sana kemudian naik dua bas lagi untuk ke sekolah di Ampang. Begitulah rutin harian saya sehingga bapa belikan kereta pada tahun kedua saya jadi cikgu.

Berhenti jadi atlet?

Ditanya adakah gelaran atlet telah memberikan pengaruh besar kepada pelajar-pelajarnya, Marina berkata, ia pernah berlaku

“Saya mengajar Bahasa Inggeris dan Pendidikan Jasmani. Semasa saya menang pingat di Sukan Sea 1977, saya disambut dengan sebilangan pelajar perempuan memotong rambut ala rambut saya. Saya betul-betul terharu dan tak sangka ada kelab peminat,” katanya

Pemilik wajah cantik yang menjadi rebutan ramai jejaka ini dikhabarkan tidak lagi meneruskan karier selepas melanjutkan pelajaran ke Amerika Syarikat pada 1980, Marina bagaimanapun menafikan.

“Saya masih training dan wakil universiti. Pada 1980 sepatutnya kita pergi ke OLIMPIK tapi Malaysia boikot sebab Rusia masuk Afganistan jadi tak balik Malaysia untuk sebarang kejohanan besar. Pada 1981 saya ke Jepun dan mewakili Malaysia dalam Asia Track & Field dan dapat pingat emas dalam 4 x 400 meter. Kerana alami kecederaan saya tak dapat masuk sukan SEA,” kata graduan Sarjana Muda Sains dan Sarjana Kesusasteraan bidang Pengurusan Sukan ini dari Ohio State University ini.

Marina menyumbang khidmatnya di Kementerian Pendidikan, selain terlibat sebagai aktivis dalam usaha memartabatkan sukan Malaysia.

Pesanan Marina kepada pelajar-pelajar agar sentiasa konsisten dan tidak perlu memilih antara sukan dan pelajaran.

“Lakukan kedua-duanya dengan keyakinan dan pengorbanan tinggi. Saya yakin anda mampu mengembalikan kegemilangan Malaysia dalam sukan sepertimana suatu ketika dahulu,” katanya.

INFO PENCAPAIAN

- March 1972, Marina memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan acara 200 meter dengan catatan 26.6 saat, 0.2 saat mengatasi rekod lama pada Kejohanan Allcomers Persatuan Olahraga Amatur Selangor di Stadium Merdeka.

- Pingat Perak lari berpagar 400 meter Kejohanan Olahraga Asia di Seoul, Korea Selatan.

- September 1972 sekali lagi memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan, acara lari berpagar 100 meter dengan catatan 15.2 saat, serta acara 400 meter lari berpagar dengan catatan 64.9 saat di Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Singapura.

- Meraih emas acara 100 meter lari berpagar dengan catatan 15.3 saat Kejohanan Olahraga Jemputan Filipina di Manila.

- Memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan dengan catatan 28.4 saat dalam acara lari berpagar 200 meter pada Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Malaysia di Alor Star, Kedah pada Ogos 1976.

- Dinobatkan selaku Olahragawati Kebangsaan dan Selangor untuk dua tahun berturut-turut, 1976 dan 1977.

- Sukan Sea 1977, Marina meraih emas berganda acara 100 dan 200 meter, dan hampir menyamai pencapaian sifunya, M Rajamani dengan meraih emas ketiga jika tidak gara-gara kerana kesilapan pengadilan.

- Pada 1979 pula, gandingan Marina bersama Saik Oik Cum, V.Angamah dan Zaiton Othman menghadiahkan Malaysia pingat Perak acara 4x400 meter pada Kejohanan Antarabangsa Trek & Padang Asia Tokyo.

- Emas acara lari berpagar 100 meter, dan 4x400 meter pada Kejohanan Sukan Sea ke-10 Jakarta.

http://www.sinarharian.com.my/personaliti/marina-manfaat-sukan-zaman-remaja-1.221724

BJSS Combined Meet Receives Good Regional Support

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Jalil Sports School’s (BJSS) decision to organise the annual International Combined Events Championships (ICE) from 2010 is now seeing results.

BJSS have produced athletes like Nor Shahidatun Nadia Mohd Zuki, who won two gold medals in the girls’ Under-18 long jump and triple jump events in the inaugural Asian Schools Track and Field Championships held in Kuantan in September.

Nadia, a Form Five student at BJSS, who is sitting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, will make her debut in next month’s Myanmar SEA Games.

The fourth edition of the ICE will be held at the National Sports Council (NSC) Training Track in Bukit Jalil on Nov 23 and 24.

The competition is designed for a “special combined events” for Under-13 and Under-14 students.

All the boys’ and girls’ Under-13 participants must compete in five events – 80m hurdles, 800m, high jump, long jump and shot putt, while the Under-14 boys and girls will have to feature in six events – 100m, 100m hurdles, 800m, high jump, long jump and shot putt.

Points will be given for the best effort by competitors in each event.

BJSS principal Datuk Marina Chin said that they introduced ICE for the Under-13 and Under-14 students because there is a lack of competition for these age groups.

“The competition also helps local coaches identify which student has talent in the five or six events they take part in.

“The meet not only provides students with competition but also helps produce good athletes like Nor Shahidatun, who has done well in long jump and triple jump in the Asian and Asean Schools competitions,” said Marina.

The other local sports schools which will feature in the two-day meet are Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School of Johor, Tun Hussein Onn Sports School of Kluang, Pahang Sports School, Sabah Sports School and Tabuan Jaya Sports School of Sarawak.

Two foreign schools will also compete in the meet – Singapore Sports School and the Ubon Ratchathani Sports School of Thailand.

Marina said that Maribyrnong Sports Academy of Melbourne featured in the competition last year but are unable to make it this year as they have their own programme at that time.

BJSS have been the overall champions in the last three editions and they hope to maintain the win this year.

Setting A Good Example

BY Y.P. SIVAM

Proud moment: Ee Hong (third from left) and Marina (third from right) with the four winners (from left) Chiew, Chua, Saarvin and Nur Hidayah.

YOUNGSTER C. Saarvin, one of the top four students in Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Pre University programme, will continue to be active in athletics.

The 20-year-old Saarvin, a 800m runner with a personal best of 1:56.01, is pursuing an accountancy degree programme at Universiti Putra Malaysia in Serdang.

“I will be concentrating on both my studies as well as athletics. Athletics has given me a lot of opportunities and I am making steady progress. I strongly believe that I must plan well to excel in both athletics and studies.

“I am proud to be one of the top students. I had studied hard and it is rewarding. I have also put in equal effort in athletics and studies,’’ said Saarvin after receiving the Gold medal from Education Ministry’s director of sports Ee Hong.

Saarvin, who hails from Penang, is in the midst of his preparations for next month’s Malaysia Open athletics championships and the Malaysian Education Institutions Games (SIPMA) later this year.

Despite attending classes, Saarvin trains almost daily to be well prepared for both the championships. However he is not setting any lofty targets.

Future star: Saarvin (left) receiving his award from Ee Hong

“I am looking forward to clock a new personal best. That’s a reasonable target and something realistic for now,’’ said Saarvin.

Besides Saarvin, the other three, who won the Gold medal, were gymnast Nur Hidayah Abdul Wahid, athletes Chiew Hui Lan and Chuah Yu Tian.

The 21-year-old Nur Hidayah, who had represented Malaysia in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, is a Physical Education student at the UPM. Although she is no more active as an gymnast, Nur Hidayah is a coach at the local club in Subang Jaya.

“The teachers in BJSS helped me a lot and I have to thank them for my results,’’ said Nur Hidayah.

The graduation ceremony is an annual affair at BJSS. Students, who had attended the Pre-U programme, are honoured in the presence of the teachers and parents.

BJSS principal Datuk Marina Chin, a former international, said they were happy with the excellent results achieved by the students.

“All the students had passed last year. The results showed that students can excel in both studies and sports. In fact we are seeing a remarkable progress. It is because of the joint commitment from the teachers as well as the Parent- Teacher Association.

“We hope to see them get excellent results in the courses they are pursuing. They must continue to be active in their respective sports,’’ said Marina.

Gold medallists: Nur Hidayah Abdul Wahid (gymnastics), Chiew Hui Lan (athletics), Chuah Yu Tian (althletics), C. Saarvin (athletics)

Silver medallist: Johnathan Wong Guan Jie (shooting), Pow Mei Foong (netball), Chan Wan Ran (badminton), Teh Huei Hong (volleyball), Fong Chui Theng (wushu).
Bronze medallists: Mohamad Firdaus Ishak (archery), Mohd Fahme Zamzam Mehamad (athletics)

Certificate: Mohamad Syafiq Shalihin Mohd Noor, Tracie Ang, T. Sharmila, Mas Huzaimah Md Aziz, S. Shree Sharmini, Nurhidayah Idris, Lee Yhing Huey, Siti Nor Farhana Mustafa, Nur Syafazliyana Mohd Ali, Mohamad Shahril Sahak, Mohd Fairol Nazim Mohd Noor, Ibrahim Aziz, Muhammad Farizzuan Azhar, Muhammad Redzhwan Ja’afar, Mohd Faris Haziq Shuhaimi, Muhammad Fakhrul Izzat Md Zain, Jackie Wong Siew Cheer, D. Vivegan, Nurulassikin Mohd Rasid, Nurul Adha Abu Bakar, Mohammad Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri, Mohd Ruzaimi Ikram Abdul Rahman, Nur Nadira Natalia Mohd Manshahar, Siti Nur Izzati Mohd Sabki, Fatin Naimah Zaki, Mohamad Aminuddin Mohd Samki, Muhamad Firdaus Mazalan, Muhammad Hafidzi Zakaria, Muhd Ajmal Aiman Mat Hassan, Muhammad Khairil Harith Harun, Nur Amirah Mohamad,
Ahmad Luth Hamizan, Nauraj Singh, Dangerous Lee, Anis Suhaila Abdullah, Fairus SM Rahim, Muhammad Raffi’uddin Abdul Latif, Yang Farha farhani Fadzarahman, Ahmad Syaddad Ahmad Sabri, Mohamad Alif Hanif Mohd Afandi, Izyan Syazana Mohd Wazir, Khairol Shazlan Shamsaimon, Faridzul Afiq Mohd, Hamdan Hamidun, G. Kavin Kartik, Choo Wen Yan.