LETTERS: Despite dwindling fortunes of Malaysian hockey, a beacon of hope has emerged through the 5-a-side hockey format.
Malaysian hockey, once a formidable force, reached its zenith in 1975 when the national team secured fourth place at the World Cup.
However, subsequent years marked a steady descent, with the new low point being the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) disbanding the senior and junior national squads.
The recent disappointments in the 2024 Olympic qualifiers and 2023 Junior World Cup necessitated a comprehensive rebuilding phase, with the MHC gearing up to appoint a new head coach and form fresh squads.
Despite these setbacks, a new ray of hope emerges with the 5-a-side hockey format breathing life back into Malaysian hockey.
Malaysia were runners-up at the World Cup 5-a-side Men's Tournament in Muscat, Oman, where 16 nations from five continents took part.
This unique format demands a fresh set of strategies, superior fitness, and exceptional stick work from players.
Amid financial constraints, Malaysia's talented pool of players, led by the remarkable Akhimullah Anuat Esook, who was selected as the best player of the tournament, showcased exceptional skills.
Coach Wallace Tan played a pivotal role in this resurgence and demonstrated his dedication by forgoing his salary to guide the team to success.
The short training period did not hinder their achievement, highlighting the potential for Malaysian hockey to thrive with the right support.
In a sense, the 5-a-side hockey format proves to be a game-changer, offering a silver lining for Malaysian hockey.
To sustain this success, the Youth and Sports Ministry should consider a financial grant to develop this new format of hockey.
The investment can bolster development at the grassroots level, ensuring a pool of talent and solidifying Malaysia's winning ways in the 5-a-side format.
The dedicated players and coaches, and the potential financial support from the ministry, paint a promising picture of Malaysian hockey's resurgence and triumph in the 5-a-side format.
DR INDERJIT SINGH
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
