KUALA LUMPUR – The national men’s indoor hockey team was rewarded by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) for their historic performance at the recently concluded Men’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup.
Each of the 12 players and the coaches received an incentive of RM5,000 for their efforts in the 10th edition of the tournament.
Under the tutelage of Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi, the world number 15 side qualified for the World Cup, scheduled to take place in Croatia in 2025, after finishing as runners-up in the Asia Cup, which took place in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan.
Malaysia, drawn with the home team Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Oman in Pool B, showcased scintillating form, scoring a total of 30 goals in the tournament.
The team lost 7-1 to the world number two-ranked Iran in the final on May 25.
For the record, Malaysia won the 2022 Men’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup by defeating Iran 3-2 on penalties after drawing 4-4 in regulation.
Meanwhile, the women’s indoor hockey team was also given an incentive of RM2,500 for each of its 12 players for finishing third in the Women’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup, held in Chonburi, Thailand.
The tournament saw Malaysia draw with Kazakhstan, Iran, Oman, and Vietnam, scoring a total of 47 goals.
Farah Yahya, awarded as the best goalkeeper of the tournament, was a key player for her side, which saw them defeat regional rivals Indonesia 4-0 to finish as second runners-up.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal expressed hope that the rewards given to both teams will bolster their performances in upcoming tournaments.
“It is our duty at MHC to reward them for their exceptional performances at the prestigious tournament, and we hope and pray for them to get better day by day.
“Many of these players and coaches did not receive a single cent from us prior to the tournament, and we really appreciate their hard work and passion to represent the country.
“The tournament has been going on since 2003, and this is the first time we have qualified for the World Cup (men’s), while the women’s team has also created history in the tournament by putting up a good fight. They have proven to the world what they are capable of.
“We have overlooked their strength over the years, and it is our duty to continue to find funds to support them so they can continue to bring more success to the country,” said Subahan during a press conference here today.
Subahan also expressed his hope that the Youth and Sports Ministry will increase funding for indoor hockey to assist the governing body in preparing the team for the World Cup and SEA Games next year.
“Indoor hockey is a growing sport, and I can confidently say that we will do better than we have already been doing if we receive more allocation for indoor hockey from the National Sports Council and the government.
“If we can deliver in field hockey and hockey 5s, we can definitely also deliver in indoor hockey with more funding from the government,” Subahan added.
Both the Malaysian men’s and women’s indoor hockey teams won silver at the 2023 Phnom Penh SEA Games. – June 15, 2024