THE Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), the country’s top-tier hockey competition, concluded its latest edition last week with a thrilling display of skill and determination. Over the course of a month, 10 teams battled for the prestigious title, netting a total of 244 goals – highlighting the attacking flair that defined this season’s contest.
Once again, Terengganu emerged champions, securing their seventh title, largely thanks to the lethal partnership between Faizal Saari and Fitri Saari. This duo has been a constant menace to opponents, and their contributions proved decisive.
While Terengganu’s dominance may seem predictable, credit must be given to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) for breathing new life into the league. The inclusion of new clubs and a more diverse team lineup infused fresh energy into the competition, in stark contrast to the more lacklustre editions of recent years.
MHC has also made commendable strides in strengthening ties with international hockey federations, including those of Australia, China, South Korea, South Africa, India, and Pakistan. The involvement of international teams and players from these nations has elevated the level of competition, adding an exciting new dynamic to the league.
A particularly promising development this year was the debut of the Australian-based Northern Territory Stingers, a major boost for Malaysian hockey. MHC has also introduced an exchange programme, providing local players with opportunities to gain valuable experience abroad in one of the world’s top hockey nations. This initiative represents a significant step forward, allowing Malaysian athletes to refine their skills by learning from some of the best in the sport.
Another commendable addition was the Matadors Hockey Club, established to increase the representation of Malaysian Indian and Punjabi players in the national team. This initiative is especially crucial given the decline in the presence of these communities in the Speedy Tigers over the years. The club’s strategic recruitment of eight top players from Pakistan not only strengthened their squad but also created valuable learning opportunities for younger local talents.
Meanwhile, the young, Chinese-based Liaoning team made their second MHL appearance under the tactical guidance of Kim Sang-ryul, reinforcing the importance of international competition for player development. High-profile players such as Australia’s Kieran Govers and Jack Hayes, South Korea’s Lee Nam-yong and Jang Jong-hyun, and South Africa’s Samkelo Mvimbi featured for clubs like Maybank and Tenaga Nasional, significantly boosting the league’s visibility.
Reports indicate that this increased interest attracted over 4,000 spectators to matches across six venues, including the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
However, despite these positive strides, what concerns me most is that the structure and competitiveness of the MHL are not as robust as they once were. When the league was first established in 1987, and well into the early 2000s, it featured over 10 teams, including both local and corporate sides, with matches spanning two to three months.
This extended format, which included multiple divisions, fostered a more competitive and engaging environment – one that appears to have diminished in recent years.
While MHC has made efforts to enhance the league’s image, any expansion of the competition and increase in participation can only be realised if the global hockey calendar permits.
The inefficiencies of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in scheduling tournaments have disrupted not only Malaysia but also other hockey powerhouses such as Argentina, England, Germany, and India. These nations are facing similar challenges, with fewer teams competing in their leagues and their seasons being cut short.
One viable solution would be for MHC to organise more domestic competitions and lower-division tournaments to supplement the MHL while awaiting a more flexible FIH calendar.
This approach could pave the way for the return of former league powerhouses such as Yayasan Negeri Sembilan, Sapura Hockey Club, and Dolphins Hockey Club. Implementing a promotion and relegation system would also inject a greater sense of competition and provide the national team with a larger, more competitive talent pool.
At the same time, MHC cannot bear this responsibility alone. Greater collaboration with corporate and government-linked companies is essential to turn these ideas into reality.
Currently, organisations like Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Maybank play a crucial role in sponsoring MHC-sanctioned tournaments, but further investment is needed. A level of corporate backing akin to that seen in Malaysian football would be instrumental in elevating the sport.
Despite the challenges posed by the FIH’s ineffective scheduling, the MHL is undoubtedly moving in the right direction. By introducing division-based competitions and securing greater corporate involvement, Malaysia has the potential to set a strong example for other nations facing similar issues.
With a more structured league and a broader talent base, Malaysian hockey can continue to grow. The national team will ultimately reap the benefits, but sustained collaboration, increased investment, and a strategic approach are key to unlocking the sport’s full potential. – March 3, 2025
Sandru Narayanan is a sportswriter at Scoop