Ex-hockey stars to raise funds for coach’s treatment
For the past 40 years, Rajendran Balagurusamy has been playing a positive role in the lives of hundreds of young hockey players in Penang. It’s now their turn to help him.
Rajendran, whom they fondly address as “Uncle Bob”, is not well. The 67-year-old was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer a year ago.
The Penang-based hockey legend was part of the national team that won gold at the SEA Games in 1971 and 1973.
Today, he is in and out of the hospital.
Rajendran needs at least RM53,000 more for his treatment at a hospital in Penang.
The National Athletes Charity Foundation (Yakeb) has agreed to contribute RM20,000 and Rajendran’s former players are trying to raise the rest.
“Many players were shocked to hear about Uncle Bob’s situation,” said former international and current Penang coach M. Jiwa Mohan, who visited Rajendran at his home in Island Glades yesterday.
“He has done a lot for the players so it is only right for us to show our appreciation by helping him now.
“We are planning to have a special match at the Universiti Sains Malaysia hockey stadium and then a charity dinner to raise funds for Uncle Bob’s treatment.
“So far, many players have agreed to take part. We want Uncle Bob to come and see his former players in action,” he said.
Besides Jiwa, the other ex-internationals who are expected to feature in the charity match and dinner on July 14 are K. Keevan Raj, K. Logan Raj, Rodhanizam Mat Radzi, Mohd Danir Haron, M. Jivan Mohan, Razak Saidin and Mohd Nizam Nordin.
Rajendran is best known for setting up the formidable Electrical Switchgear Automation hockey team which dominated the Malaysian Junior Hockey League in the 1990s.
As the Penang coach, he steered the islanders into the semi-finals in eight editions of the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Rajendran bowed out as the coach after leading Penang to the men’s hockey gold medal at the 2016 Sukma in Sarawak.
“I have been coaching since 1979. I have treated all the players who came under me throughout the years as my children,” said Rajendran. “I am touched by their gesture. One of the doctors treating me is my ex-player.”
Those who wish to help Rajendran can contact Jiwa at 016-445 8130.
Rajendran, whom they fondly address as “Uncle Bob”, is not well. The 67-year-old was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer a year ago.
The Penang-based hockey legend was part of the national team that won gold at the SEA Games in 1971 and 1973.
Today, he is in and out of the hospital.
Rajendran needs at least RM53,000 more for his treatment at a hospital in Penang.
The National Athletes Charity Foundation (Yakeb) has agreed to contribute RM20,000 and Rajendran’s former players are trying to raise the rest.
“Many players were shocked to hear about Uncle Bob’s situation,” said former international and current Penang coach M. Jiwa Mohan, who visited Rajendran at his home in Island Glades yesterday.
“He has done a lot for the players so it is only right for us to show our appreciation by helping him now.
“We are planning to have a special match at the Universiti Sains Malaysia hockey stadium and then a charity dinner to raise funds for Uncle Bob’s treatment.
“So far, many players have agreed to take part. We want Uncle Bob to come and see his former players in action,” he said.
Besides Jiwa, the other ex-internationals who are expected to feature in the charity match and dinner on July 14 are K. Keevan Raj, K. Logan Raj, Rodhanizam Mat Radzi, Mohd Danir Haron, M. Jivan Mohan, Razak Saidin and Mohd Nizam Nordin.
Rajendran is best known for setting up the formidable Electrical Switchgear Automation hockey team which dominated the Malaysian Junior Hockey League in the 1990s.
As the Penang coach, he steered the islanders into the semi-finals in eight editions of the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Rajendran bowed out as the coach after leading Penang to the men’s hockey gold medal at the 2016 Sukma in Sarawak.
“I have been coaching since 1979. I have treated all the players who came under me throughout the years as my children,” said Rajendran. “I am touched by their gesture. One of the doctors treating me is my ex-player.”
Those who wish to help Rajendran can contact Jiwa at 016-445 8130.
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