Tuesday January 23, 2007

Birth of a new era for ice hockey

By Y.P. SIVAM
Photos by NORAFIFI EHSAN

FOR the first time, Malaysia will be taking part in the Asian Winter Games in Changchun, China from Jan 28 to Feb 4. StarMetro, as the official media for the Malaysian contingent, talks to team manager Susan Loh on her role in the Malaysian ice hockey team.

Ready to go: Skipper Gary Tan (left) helping get the ice hockey sticks packed for the trip.

MALAYSIAN ice hockey team manager Susan Loh was all smiles as the Malaysian team checked in at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Sunday.

For Loh, it was a big achievement as the Malaysian team had to overcome a lot of obstacles in the journey to participate in the Asian Winter Games starting in Changchun, China, on Friday.

“We have created history and the players are all in high spirits. We have accomplished a mission and now our aim is to give a good account in the Games.

“We see the Games as a start of a new era for Malaysian ice hockey. The Games will also give us an indication of our progress against our Asian counterparts,” said Loh before boarding the flight.

The 23- member Malaysian ice hockey team, led by chef de mission Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, are taking part in the Asian Winter Games for the first time.

For the past six months, Lee and Loh spent long hours drawing up the training programme and also looking for sponsors to support their participation.

Loh admitted it was a tough six months, as she had to juggle time between her job as well as making all the arrangements for the team.

“Fortunately, I was motivated by everyone - players, officials and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM). And, today, we are on the way to Changchun, “ said an excited Loh.

Sunway Pyramid, Dexion Asia and Sports Planet are the official sponsors of the Malaysian team while other partners include Winter Time (winter wear sponsors), Air China (official airline) and StarMetro (official media).

Loh said they were grateful to the generous sponsors.

“Without their support, we would not be going to Changchun,” added Loh.

In Changchun, Malaysia is in Group D with Hong Kong and South Korea. The other countries are China, Japan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Thailand, Kuwait, UAE and Macau.

In their opening match, the Malaysians will take on Hong Kong on Jan 26 and clash with seeded South Korea on Jan 29. Prior to the match against Hong Kong, the Malaysian team, coached by Alex Kam , will also get the opportunity to train on the ice rink.

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