After a Malaysian tabloid claimed that the last group league tie between India and Malaysia in the Azlan Shah Cup 2008 was fixed, few people are surprised.

If a few influential hockey functionaries are to be believed, it wasnt the first fixed match. “Since it is again between India and Malaysia, there is a chance that unfair means were adopted,” a source said on the condition of anonymity.

The source disclosed a previous incident of fixing involving the same two teams.
“It was in Barcelona where India and Malaysia were playing the Olympic qualifier (for the 1996 Atlanta Games) which was a must-win situation for Malaysia to grab an Olympic berth. Indians conceded the match and Malaysia qualified at the expense of Canada,” the source revealed.

The source even pointed out fingers on two respected players – one from each side – who masterminded the fixing in 1996.

“At that time they were players and now they are officials and former players… thats the only difference. That Malaysian and the Indian have even played together in the Asian all-star team,” the source said. The source also recollected a recent incident during the last Azlan Shah meet which is significant at this hour. “

Assistant coach Ramesh (Parameshwaran) had come back from Malaysia at the halfway stage and the reason could be that he might have been aware of what was going on, and he being an honest campaigner, immediately decided to return.”