A dream come true

"I am pleased that Iam still fit enoughto make the squadat my age. I onlywish that I wasyounger because itwill definitely makea difference withmy contribution tothe team aroundthe rink."HANIFF MAHMOOD

For the first time, Malaysia will be taking part in the Asian Winter Games that will be held in Changchun, China, fromJan 28 to Feb 4. StarMetro, as the official media for the Malaysian contingent (led by chef de mission Datuk Lee Hwa Beng), will highlight the participants' involvement inthe team's preparations. Today, we talk to 45-year-old businessman Haniff Mahmood, who has been an active ice hockey player for almost 30 years, on his aspirations inChangchun. 

VETERAN ice hockey player Haniff Mahmood is realising his dream of donning the national stripes after a long 30-year wait.  

It will be a dream come true for the 45-year-old businessman when Malaysia makes its first appearance at the sixth Asian Winter Games to be held at Changchun in China from Jan 28 to Feb 4.  

For the Games, Hanif, the father of two children aged between four and eight years old, will be part of the 18 rookies in the Malaysian line-up.  

“I am pleased that I am still fit enough to make the squad at my age. I only wish that I was younger because it will definitely make a difference with my contribution to the team around the rink. In addition, I will have a longer playing career with the national side at the international level. My days with the national team are numbered as I am getting older,” said Haniff, who plays a defence role.

HANIFF MAHMOOD  Nickname: Hurricane  Age: 45  Occupation: Businessman  Height: 1.73m  Weight: 75kg  Club: Wildcats  Position: Defence  Playing Experience: 30 years  Achievements:- 2006 World 5s Asian Division Bchampions.  - Various friendly matches at club levelin Singapore and Thailand.

 

“In general, Malaysia’s debut in the Games is a good step towards the right direction for sports in the country. Our effort in making our presence felt will be the highlight of our participation. We have fulfilled our desire to compete at Asian level.” 

Haniff pointed out that the relevant authorities in the country should play a more active role to develop a long-term plan for the game to move forward with proper facilities.  

“Basically, there is only one rink here at any one point of time. In the past, the existence of the rinks was due to its business feasibility as the rinks were privately owned,” said Haniff, adding that he has seen two ice rinks close down. 

The swift pace of the physical contact sport that involves teamwork appealed to him when he first took up the game at the ice rink in Asia Jaya, Petaling Jaya.  

“At the moment, the Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (KHAS) has done well to promote the game.” 

Over the past three months, Haniff has been undergoing intensive training to prepare for the Games. 

“Fortunately, I am a very sports inclined person. I play football and futsal at least once a week. In addition, I run and sprint on my own to maintain my endurance and speed,” he explained.  

A total of 11 teams will feature in the ice hockey competition at the Games. They are Japan, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, North Korea, Thailand, Kuwait, UAE, Macau, Hong Kong and Malaysia.  

Malaysia will play against Hong Kong on Jan 26 and take on South Korea on Jan 29.  

“Although most of the players on our side have been playing together for the past three years, we realise that we will have an uphill battle ahead of us to upstage more established sides,” said Haniff, who features for the Wildcats at club level. 

He hopes that a younger group of players will be formed to represent the country for major international meets in the future.  

“It will be good to see junior players coming through to replace me in the national team.” 

Sunway Pyramid and Dexion Asia Sdn Bhd are the official sponsors for the Malaysian team.  

Other partners include Winter Time (winterwear sponsor), Air China (official airline) and StarMetro (official media).  

The team comprising 18 players and five officials will leave for China on Jan 22.