KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has locked in Stadium Putra, which is located behind the Axiata Arena as the national indoor hockey team’s training base for the 2025 Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup, following a key agreement with the Malaysian Stadium Corporation.
The team previously trained at UTC Sentul and Sultan Idris Education University in Ipoh. Under the guidance of Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi, the world number 22 side qualified for the 2025 World Cup in Croatia after finishing as runners-up at this year’s Men’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan.
Drawn into Pool B with Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Oman, Malaysia was in scintillating form, scoring a total of 30 goals throughout the tournament. However, they suffered a 7-1 defeat to world number two Iran in the final on May 25.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said that his administration is currently working on the tender process to install indoor hockey flooring approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) at the new training venue.
The national indoor team is expected to begin training at the stadium by November.
“We are thankful to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for her unwavering support in helping our indoor team secure a place to train for next year’s World Cup.
“Now that we have found an ideal facility for the players, we are currently working on the tender process to install a surface that meets FIH standards, which may cost approximately RM300,000.
“We hope to have everything ready by November. Until the surface is prepared, the team will continue training at venues like UTC Sentul and Sports Arena IOI Mall in Putrajaya.
“Even while training at UTC Sentul, we’ve performed quite well. With better facilities now available, I believe we can achieve even greater results,” said Subahan during the Malaysian Indoor Hockey League final in Putrajaya yesterday.
Subahan also said that the new venue would enable the association to host international tournaments in the future, with the aim of elevating the sport to greater heights.
“We can have the men’s and women’s teams training at the new venue. The men can train for the World Cup, and the women’s team can train for the 2025 Bangkok SEA Games. We would also want to organise more international indoor hockey tournaments.
“We are committed to investing time and resources into indoor hockey and Hockey 5s. I see great potential in these two disciplines to bring success to Malaysian hockey and engage young players. College and university students particularly enjoy playing this format,” he added.
In 2022, Malaysia won the Men’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup by defeating Iran 3-2 on penalties after drawing 4-4 in regulation time. — September 22, 2024