KUCHING: Sarawak hockey’s outreach programme to rural areas has landed in Marudi but chief coach C. Sivasubramaniam — although satisfied of the work done — is still worried that it will go to waste.
Having covered Miri, Sibu, Mukah and Long Lama apart from Kuching Division, the coaching clinic, which is sponsored by Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Siva emphasised that it must be continued.
“There must be continuity in training development and training must be at least five days a week for two hours each day.
“They must grasp the basics which is a must if they want to develop fully their game.
“The basics consists of five or so components and they include pushing, hitting, receiving, Indian dribble, close drills and slap shots.”
SSC, said Siva, had been sending coaches to schools statewide and they must take advantage of raising the standard of the game by continuing the programme.
Siva liked what he saw in Marudi and like all the rural students they had coached, “they all have in-born talents.”
“Facilities in schools are not a problem as they can develop their skills at tennis or basketball courts…the problem is local players don’t take time to develop their basics,” said Siva.
He said most of the schools taking up hockey had dedicated teachers but some schools, including SMK Tebakang, had now dropped out due to giving focus to academic pursuits.
Siva said it took only two hours to train and was also a good way to de-stress so it should not be a hindrance.
He also thanked the support given by SSC unit head senior official Ahmad Rodzli Hashim, who accompanied the team of coaches, which included Sri Sakrunathan, Dangerouslee Matthew, Pamela Tia and Netty Elvis, to Marudi.
The team will be in Selangau and Belaga next.
