KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional continued to power Malaysian hockey with an RM1 million cheque on Wednesday.
It was presented to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) exclusively for the Junior World Cup (JWC) on Dec 5-16.
MHC also unveiled new colours for its team competing in the JWC, with yellow being chosen over traditional orange Harimau Malaya for the first kit and blue for the second.
TNB, the main sponsor, is not only generous with cash but has also developed 13 out of 18 players from its Thunderbolts programme for the JWC, and one of then is skipper Faris Harizan.
"The colour yellow and blue was chosen for the new kit because it represents the colours of our national flag, and looks striking as well. We have also placed the Jalur Gemilang instead of the MHC logo on their chests to make them feel proud of playing for the country," said MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal.
Subahan said TNB has also backed them with development and cash for a long time, and MHC appreciates it.
"It's not cheap to host the JWC as we paid RM1.6 million as hosting fee to the FIH (International Hockey Federation) and there are hundreds of other costs as well to get the tournament off the ground.
"In due time, we will request the FIH to reduce its hosting fees as Malaysia has beautiful venues and is ready to play host again. On the planning plate is the 2025 Indoor World Cup, which we plan to host as our indoor teams have great potential," said Subahan.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur HA president I. Vikneswaran, who is also the Malaysia team manager, said Chile can be beaten.
"The KL Razak Cup team had played Chile twice since they arrived. The first was a 1-1 draw and the second a 2-0 win for KL. I believe strongly that Malaysia have the players to win their first Group A match against Chile but all the players must remain calm and don't be too anxious for 60 minutes.
"That is how goals will come. There is no need to rush into matters, as Malaysia can score from field as well as penalty corners comfortably."
The opening ceremony on Dec 5 will be held before the Malaysia-Chile match, and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has agreed to grace the occasion with his presence.
