PUTRAJAYA — The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have admitted that budget constraints remain their biggest stumbling block.
Speaking after the national body’s 70th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, MHC deputy president Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak revealed that the current allocation from the National Sports Council (NSC) falls short of the yearly operational costs, which stands at RM14 million.
“Our annual operational cost is RM14 million, but the budget is never enough. We have to be prudent and rely on attracting more sponsors,” said Najmi.
“So far, NSC has provided around RM4 million, and our main sponsor, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), contributes another RM4 million. We also receive support from other sponsors, but to do more, we need additional funding.”
He added, “The current allocation from NSC covers only the four field hockey teams – the senior men’s and women’s squads, as well as the junior boys’ and girls’ teams. It does not include the indoor and Hockey 5s teams.”
As a result, Najmi explained, MHC must carefully plan their programmes and tournaments to stay within budget.
Najmi led the press conference in place of MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, who had to leave early due to a family emergency.
Najmi also pointed out that the boys’ junior team’s fourth-place finish at the recent Junior Asia Cup (JAC) in Muscat, Oman, and the senior women’s team’s fourth-place finish at the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) met MHC’s key performance index (KPI).
In addition, MHC plan to increase the junior national team’s international tours following their qualification for the Junior World Cup (JWC) for the 13th time in history.
However, this plan hinges on additional funding from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS).
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh had previously announced that a significant portion of the RM230 million allocated in the national budget would be directed towards revitalising Malaysian hockey. — December 14, 2024