KUALA LUMPUR — The national women’s hockey team received a morale boost ahead of their Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) campaign in Bihar, India, from November 11 to 20, with a new sponsorship from renowned Japanese sports brand Mizuno.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), led by president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, signed a one-year sponsorship agreement with Mizuno Malaysia Sdn Bhd, represented by country manager Darren Wong.
The deal includes an option to extend for another year and covers the national women’s team, the junior women’s team, and the men’s indoor team. All teams will be provided with a range of training and playing gear, including shoes.
Subahan expressed his excitement about the partnership and believes it will significantly boost the players’ morale as they prepare for key events later this year.
“We’re thrilled with this collaboration. Mizuno is a top brand, and their support will be a great morale booster for the women’s and men’s indoor teams,” said Subahan in a statement today.
He also expressed confidence in the national women’s team’s chances at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, under coach Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim.
Malaysia will face top teams, including hosts and nine-time champions India, and Olympic silver medallists China as well as Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, in the upcoming ACT.
The national junior women’s team is also gearing up for the Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, this December, which serves as a qualifier for the Women’s Junior World Cup next year.
Subahan is optimistic that this will be the first time the team qualifies for the World Cup.
“I believe strongly that the junior women’s team will qualify for the World Cup via merit for the first time ever. This kind of booster will give them added strength. We want to carry this brand into the Junior World Cup,” Subahan added.
Meanwhile, the national indoor hockey team is preparing for the Indoor Hockey World Cup, set to take place in Poreč, Croatia, from February 3-9, next year. — October 12, 2024