WHAT'S OUR DIRECTION IN SPORTS?

I have been glued to the TV screen lately - first the Australian Open 2008, then the jAfrican Nations Cup. Of cos, when we talk of tennis at that level, forget it, we can never in the next 20 years hope to have a Malaysian competing even as a wildcard. But of cos, we can bring tennis greats for exhibition matches in Kuala Lumpur. But who gets to watch such matches? The well-healed of cos. And who reaps the benefits of organising such extravaganzas? Some well- connected business guy.

Talking of football, we just had Footsal KL World 5s 2008 at Stadium Negara. I would have loved to have watched Brazil and Argentina in action. But the price of tickets at Rgt12 - not within my means. And soon, we'll be holding the World Under 19 Cricket in KL.

Now, what I'm trying to get at is this. We are such good organisers. And we have so much money to throw in holding such events - to attract tourists? The Under 19 World Club football last year - how many tourists flocked to Malaysia I wonder! And we had to spend millions just to get the right to organise that event! And then spend millions on transport, airfare, food, accommodation, etc. The same will apply to the upcoming Under 19 cricket.

Now, holding such galas is, I s'pos, good for Malaysia's image. But the real question is: How does it benefit our youngsters in efforts to raise the standard of football, tennis, cricket, etc? The footsal at Stadium Negara was played to practically at empty stadium on most days except for the semis and final. Of cos the organisers couldn't have lost in terms of revenue as there was 'live' coverage. And the Ministries of Sports and Tourism would have pumped money into them generously - remember it's Visit Malaysia Year 2007 - 2008! So, we are relegating sports to business entities to reap a bundle.

I think there should be specific undertakings by those who wish to organise international sports events in future:

1. They should hold coaching clinics before and during the events for kids chosen from around the country

2. Venues should be filled by selling tickets at affordable prices for school kids

3. Organisers should make available free tickets to sponsors/ advertisers/sports associations for
distribution to school children,

We should undetake any step that will ensure our children gain the maximum from exposure to such events. Don't just put money as top priority. For the business community money is always the target.

So, coming back to the African Nations Cup - did you see the standard of football displayed by Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana, etc? How does our Malaysian football team stack against them? Ghana is coached by Claude Le Roy - I remember he was once upon a time with us - but we dumped him - not because he was no good but because we:

- want instant success

- we don't put stress on grass-roots development

- we, above all, politicise everything including sports!

When will we ever learn!