KUALA LUMPUR – National hockey head coach Sarjit Singh has pledged to forge a diverse and inclusive Speedy Tigers team.
The 61-year-old openly acknowledges the fact that there have only been several Tamil, Punjabi, and Chinese players in the national team over the past years.
Sarjit, who is currently on a two-year contract with the Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC), is looking to change the national team’s image with several prospects he has scouted from the ongoing Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
With 40 to 42 players identified, training is slated to begin on March 19.
Sarjit said he hopes to see a positive attitude from the players who may be included in the team and further advises them to stay committed when given a chance.
“We boast a rich tapestry of diversity in our country, and I can guarantee that I will bring in more players from mixed backgrounds into the team.
“By working together with all the departments, we can definitely make the team inclusive with all the prospects we have. As a coach, I need good players, and I’m ready to work with players of all races.
“But, at the same time, players must be disciplined, have the right attitude, and be committed at all times. They need to be hardworking and do their due diligence for the country.
“In terms of discipline, it’s not only on the pitch but also off the pitch. Off the pitch, we also need to ensure that they don’t get involved in bad activities,” said Sarjit during a press conference at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Rahul Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi, a standout performer with 17 goals for Nurinsafi in the MHL, is one of the talents earmarked by Sarjit for potential inclusion.
Alongside Rahul, young players such as Shamanth Chowdlu Sathish, Naaveennash Panicker, Perabu Tangaraja, Harjot Singh Gill, and Wan Jun Yong have also been scouted.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal echoed Sarjit’s sentiment, emphasising the importance of inclusivity within the sport.
Dismissing any notion of bias, he reaffirmed the MHC’s commitment to providing equal opportunities irrespective of race or creed.
“We have always made sure that none of our previous coaches selected players based on colour and religion, and we have always given a platform to everyone to take up the sport.
“But the players we have from different races are not enough, and we need players of all races to participate in our tournaments. Hence, that’s why we recently organised a Tamil School League tournament, which was a success.
“In the past, we called up former national junior Pavandeep Singh to join the national team, but he could not attend training as he was busy with his studies overseas.
“Hockey is not like those days, and the game has evolved. Players need to be professional and committed,” said Subahan.
Sarjit’s first assignment will be the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from May 4 to 11, followed by the Nations Cup in Poland (May 31 to June 9) and the Asian Champions Trophy in Inner Mongolia, China (September 8 to 17). – March 5, 2024