The Mokhtar Dahari Challenge Shield
The late footballer Mokhtar Dahari was once a feared striker for Malaysia. He had a knack for scoring goals and his midas touch put many opponents into fear. Mokhtar passed away many years back due to muscular dystrophy.
In his memory, the Victoria Institution Old Boys' Association (VIOBA) decided to name the existing inter-batch 7-a-side football tournament in his name. This year's Mokhtar Dahari Challenge Shield is the fourth in series, but only the second using his name.
April 22, 2006 saw 34 teams gathered at the Victoria Institution (VI) green, accompanied by family, friends and supporters. There were more than 500 people present. This tournament serves as a focal meeting point of the past students of VI. This is also the time to catch up with news, views and issues besides the aim of spending the weekend trying to play some football.
I am from the VI batch of 1981. After much deliberation, we decided to send two teams to compete. One is named Lajoo, the other, Xenon. We have Malay, Chinese and Indian players in our teams. A real muhibbah example to others. Prior to this tournament, a few training sessions were organized and some were committed enough to make it happen. I salute you guys for your commitment as I could not make it to any of these sessions.
Like last year, I played as the goalkeeper. This time, it was for Xenon, and not Lajoo. With no prior training and preparation, nothing much was expected of me. I tried my very best, but my best saw me concede four goals resulting in Xenon losing three out of the four matches played. My participation was sort of a last-minute decision. Hence, the ill-preparedness.
Lajoo did not fare better, losing twice and drawing twice. We were in different veteran's league groups and both of our teams sadly finished at the bottom, hence, failing to qualify for the quarter-finals.
However, we had much fun on and off the field. Yes, some of us had bruises, knocks etc. But, you cannot blame us for we are not young any more. Most of us are already 42 years old. So, expect the unexpected. Part of the blame lies in the various injuries suffered by players before and during the matches.
Naga, the fact that you flew all the way from India just to play here speaks volumes of your commitment and interest. See you again next year. Miera, thanks for coming. You really added spice to our atmospehere. Also, an advice to all of you. Don't despair! There's always the next year and we can try to win it with one gargantuan effort from all before age catches up with us.
For the record, batch 1982 upset the odds to win the veteran's league, while the super league champions were batch 1994. Now for the FIFA World Cup...
In his memory, the Victoria Institution Old Boys' Association (VIOBA) decided to name the existing inter-batch 7-a-side football tournament in his name. This year's Mokhtar Dahari Challenge Shield is the fourth in series, but only the second using his name.
April 22, 2006 saw 34 teams gathered at the Victoria Institution (VI) green, accompanied by family, friends and supporters. There were more than 500 people present. This tournament serves as a focal meeting point of the past students of VI. This is also the time to catch up with news, views and issues besides the aim of spending the weekend trying to play some football.
I am from the VI batch of 1981. After much deliberation, we decided to send two teams to compete. One is named Lajoo, the other, Xenon. We have Malay, Chinese and Indian players in our teams. A real muhibbah example to others. Prior to this tournament, a few training sessions were organized and some were committed enough to make it happen. I salute you guys for your commitment as I could not make it to any of these sessions.
Like last year, I played as the goalkeeper. This time, it was for Xenon, and not Lajoo. With no prior training and preparation, nothing much was expected of me. I tried my very best, but my best saw me concede four goals resulting in Xenon losing three out of the four matches played. My participation was sort of a last-minute decision. Hence, the ill-preparedness.
Lajoo did not fare better, losing twice and drawing twice. We were in different veteran's league groups and both of our teams sadly finished at the bottom, hence, failing to qualify for the quarter-finals.
However, we had much fun on and off the field. Yes, some of us had bruises, knocks etc. But, you cannot blame us for we are not young any more. Most of us are already 42 years old. So, expect the unexpected. Part of the blame lies in the various injuries suffered by players before and during the matches.
Naga, the fact that you flew all the way from India just to play here speaks volumes of your commitment and interest. See you again next year. Miera, thanks for coming. You really added spice to our atmospehere. Also, an advice to all of you. Don't despair! There's always the next year and we can try to win it with one gargantuan effort from all before age catches up with us.
For the record, batch 1982 upset the odds to win the veteran's league, while the super league champions were batch 1994. Now for the FIFA World Cup...
posted by AKRAM at
2:54 AM
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