Friday, March 17, 2006
Melbourne 2006, the Commonwealth Games. It's my second Com Games after
KL that I had the opportunity to be part of. It was a very cold morning
for a Malaysian like me and my son to be up and awake at 6 am. But, for
the spirit of Malaysia Boleh, both us were eager to see the Malaysian
hockey team in action against it's old nemesis, India. For my son, it's
very special form him as it's his first time watching the Malaysian team
playing in a competition. He's going to be 7 years in less than 2 weeks
time and this trip would be a good story to write after his school
resumes in 2 weeks time. Back to the Malaysian team, it was a slow start
for them. But the soon settled in and looked very promising. The Indian
team was well organised and very fast on counter attacks while ours was
more European in their approach. It was a well contested match between
the two teams. However, the Malaysian team was awarded with a penalty
stroke after one of our forward was brought down by the Indian goalie.
Md Amin Rahim didn't waste the golden opportunity with our first goal.
The game continued till the break with Malaysia leading India 1-0.
The 2nd half was a different story. Our players seems to be slowing the
tempo but maintained their counter attacks on the Indian goal. However,
India managed to secure a penalty corner, 2nd of the game, and managed
to equalised with a well executed drag flick. The game went on till the
end with both teams locked in a 1-1 draw
After the match, I asked my son about what has he learned from the game.
I highlighted some aspects of hockey that he already knew such as the
right stance for hitting, running with the ball, stopping and tackling.
Hopefully he could gain interest in the game. Why? I'm a hockey player
too.... :-D
Go hockey!
