KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is confident there will be no funding issues from the National Sports Council (NSC) for the Speedy Tigers’ future European friendlies.
This assurance follows national head coach Sarjit Singh’s request for about 22 matches, particularly against European teams, to enhance his players’ stamina, speed and fitness.
Sarjit, who was brought in by MHC on a two-year contract in March this year, is tasked with forming a formidable team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and ensuring the team qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Speedy Tigers, with an average age of 25 years, recently played Belgium B, Germany, the Netherlands, Mönchengladbach and India on their European tour from June 30 to July 14.
The team’s European tour was funded by the NSC.
It was previously reported that NSC athletes’ division director Azrul Hisyam Abdul Jalil stated that MHC must submit a comprehensive report on their performance in Europe, indicating that future funding may be reconsidered based on these reports.
Speaking to Scoop, MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal assured that funding would not be an issue, emphasising that both MHC and the NSC shared the same vision of advancing the national team.
For the record, the Speedy Tigers will remain a part of the NSC’s Podium Programme until the Bangkok SEA Games in December 2025.
“Of course, we will provide Sarjit with whatever he needs for the national team, and I can guarantee that we will not face any obstacles from any parties,” said Subahan when contacted.
“In fact, we have a member from the NSC who is also a part of MHC, and we share the same vision and objective of improving the national team.
“We have been sending comprehensive reports to the NSC over the years whenever we send our team for any tours, and this is nothing new for us. We will also be sending the report for our current European tour,” he added.
Subahan also mentioned plans to bring more European teams, such as Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, for next year’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in collaboration with the Perak Hockey Association.
The Speedy Tigers currently rank number 12 in the world with 1,910.30 points. – July 21, 2024