KUALA LUMPUR — Sports transcend cultural and racial boundaries, allowing individuals to showcase their skills and determination, irrespective of their background.
This universal truth is exemplified in the personal journey of Datuk Seri Shuhaily Mohd Zain, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) director at Bukit Aman, who reminisced about his days as a junior hockey player.
Who would have thought that the seasoned crime buster was once under the tutelage of Olympian and former national hockey coach Paramalingam Chelliah?
This revelation sheds light on a chapter in Shuhaily’s life where he not only honed his athletic abilities but also experienced the rich tapestry of multi-racial relationships within his team during the ‘90s.
“It all started back in the ‘90s when I was still studying. Coach Param gave me a chance to train and invited me to play for Klang and eventually for Selangor,” said Shuhaily, who also competed in prestigious tournaments such as the Malaysia Games (Sukma), Razak Cup, and the national league.
“In our team, there was no such thing as Malay, Indian, and Chinese players.
“There was a trip that we made from Klang to Langkawi, there were only three or four Malays in the team, and someone put on Tamil songs (throughout the journey). At the end of it, I could (follow the lyrics) of the songs,” said the delighted crime buster.
Shuhaily, a former centre-forward and centre-half player, said that his hockey journey started under Paramalingam’s tutelage at the age of 19.
Describing Paramalingam as a mentor with meaningful yet strict advice, Shuhaily shared anecdotes about the coach’s impactful words that resonated deeply with the team.
“I have been working for 26 years now. So it has been over 30 years of relationship now (with Paramalingam).
“He will not shout or use obscenities on us, but the words he uses when he’s angry hit straight to the heart. We wouldn’t be able to sleep thinking about what he said,” he added.
During a small reunion at Paramalingam’s house yesterday, Shuhaily expressed gratitude for the lasting relationships formed during his hockey years.
Notably, he also shared about his friendship with hockey legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi, reminiscing about their early encounters in the district league.
“In the old days, Mirnawan was with the RMC (Royal Military College), while I was with the Methodist Boys’ School.
“So we met when I was 15 when we were playing in the district league and eventually we got closer to each other,” Shuhaily shared.
As the conversation shifted to future plans, Shuhaily revealed the team’s consideration of organising a friendly match to celebrate Paramalingam’s 90th birthday on November 15.
“This year is coach Param’s 90th birthday, so we all took the opportunity today (yesterday) to come and visit him.
“My friends and I have always intended to organise a friendly so the coach could see how his boys, who used to run fast back in the days, now can no longer run so much after so many operations (due to injury),” he teased.
Despite the desire to reunite and showcase their skills, Shuhaily emphasised the importance of prioritising Paramalingam’s health before planning any festivities. — February 5, 2024