Hockey: Revington withdraws decision to quit

Paul Revington has decided to withhold his decision to resign as the National hockey team's head coach, at least until the World Hockey League Semifinals in Johor Baharu.

The World League, qualifier for the World Cup next year, will be played in Johor Baharu from June 29 to July 7.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin who made the announcement after emerging from a closed door meeting with Revington at his ministry, Monday said he was happy that the South African coach had decided to stay put for now.

"He has managed the National team very well and I am happy that he has decided to stay. The team is progressing well and the players have high regards and respect for Revington. We do not want the team to lose the momentum now and preparations for the World League affected," he said.

Khairy said during the meeting which lasted for about 20 minutes, Revington had also agreed to reconsider his decision to quit, even after the World League Semifinals.

"He may continue to coach the National team even after the World League Semifinals, just that I will have to meet the others involved before a final decision is made," he said.

Khairy said he had told Revington that he (Khairy) would personally look into the issue and try to resolve the matter with the help of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

He also urged National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong to continue his meeting with the MHC, scheduled for tomorrow.

"I do not want to view the issue with a micro manage approach. I can understand his (Revington) views and concern. As for his future, we need to deal the matter with other individuals in the confederation," he said.

Revington, the former Ireland head coach who was voted the World's Best Hockey Coach in 2011 by the Federation International Hockey (FIH), had on Saturday tendered his resignation, alleging interference from National Junior coach Muhamad Dharmaraj Abdullah and 1MAS development programme director Lim Chiow Chuan, after about six months in the hot seat.