Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Koo Kien Kiat & Tan Boon Heong *Blinks*Blinks*

The Australian term of walkabout best describes Koo Kien Kiat & Tan Boon Heong, For sometime now, the pair has done nothing but given false hopes to the fans.

Yesterday’s match showed how little knowledge they have accumulated and as a result, they paid the price and were awesomely destroyed by the Indonesia pair.

I had been frustrated by Malaysians' efforts in the past and yesterday have aggravated my dislike of Malaysian sportsmen and their capabilities even more.

Koo Kien Kiat & Tan Boon Heong are miles away from anyone's dream of heroes - I think they will be struggling for a while unless their brains pick up. There were glimpses of their capabilities but these are nothing more than just glimpses. Glimpses don't win tournaments unfortunately. There are many things wrong here but I would like not to comment further except that it is hard to see any more big wins for them.

Many here think I am anti-Malaysian, mean, pure evil or not patriotic. Yes, I have been critical, in fact very critical not only about our badminton but all our sports in general. I grew up playing football and was lucky enough to be involved with the national juniors. And I am not saying I am as good as Maradona or Pele but I was decent. "Got potential la" as my Cikgu Jumain used to tell me when I was playing inter-school football back in Sabah.

When I got involved with the national juniors, I saw the nonsense with my own eyes i.e. politicians, biased selection (based on certain 'factors'), freeloaders traveling with us and etc. You gotta be there to experience it to really understand the scenario. The entire set up was unprofessional and that prompted me to say goodbye to the game. Mind you I played in the M-League for Sabah back in 02/03 but I decided sports has no future in Msia, especially when the set up was 'primitive', thus I decided to fully concentrate on my studies.

And I stand by my statement that our sports on the overall basis have declined tremendously. This is because of our administration of it having been very poor. Look at our Commonwealth games village and the sports facilities in Bkt Jalil today. The condition and maintenance of those facilities are very poor. Many are in bad shape. And this is all due to administration; there is a proverb that says the fish rot from the head down.

What’s the use of having Malaysia Boleh when we are consistent underachievers? Malaysia Boleh to me is mere hype, designed by the powers that be to pull the wool over our eyes. We should emulate the South Koreans or even the Australians. During my football days, I have seen how the South Koreans juniors train and conduct themselves off the field. And they are all business, their players dare not step out of line cos' their coach will chew them up. It is no wonder why they are performing on the world stage while we still struggle to pay our players their monthly salaries.

Back to our badminton, Wong Mew Choo is a god sent to us. I will say it again; all aspiring shuttlers should emulate her conduct. As for yesterday's Koo Kien Kiat & Tan Boon Heong match, look at our numerous gold rings, chains, bracelets and a whole bunch of blinks-blinks. I have nothing against blinks-blinks BUT these things must come after success, not the other way round. The way to achieve 'glory' is thru hard work and determination, not having it tattooed on your arm.

Like all Malaysians, I want to see us win our first Olympic gold medal and if Lee Chong Wei can win it, going bald for me is a small thing.

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