KUALA LUMPUR — Matador Hockey Club’s Jasraj Singh is eager to adopt the winning mindset of Indian hockey legend Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran as he sets his sights on next year’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) to catch the attention of the Speedy Tigers.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper from Selangor began his hockey journey as a defender but has since transitioned to goalkeeping.
Jasraj will serve as Matador’s first-choice goalkeeper when the team debuts in the MHL next year.
Matadors will be managed by businessman Sarwan Singh, with K. Yogeswaran, a coach renowned for guiding Perak to three consecutive Razak Cup victories (2020–2022), at the helm.
Speaking to Scoop, Jasraj expressed his admiration for Sreejesh, who recently retired from international hockey after a stellar career featuring 336 caps and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he boasted an impressive 92% save rate across eight matches.
“Sreejesh is someone I’ve always looked up to. I hope to emulate his success by challenging for a spot on the national team and delivering top-notch performances.
“The MHL will be a platform for me to prove myself and get on the national team’s radar,” said Jasraj.
The goalkeeper also highlighted his versatility, noting that he transitioned from defender to goalkeeper during Sukma.
“This will be my first time competing in the MHL. In the Malaysia Hockey Junior League (MHJL), I was a defender, but Sukma marked the start of my goalkeeping journey,” he said when met during his team’s training session at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium yesterday.
Although he missed the Razak Cup due to his studies in India, Jasraj remains confident.
“For me, all teams are equal—what matters is having the right mindset. Those who fight with determination will always stand out.”
Jasraj, who is completing his final-year Architecture degree at Taylor’s University, balances his academic pursuits with his passion for hockey.
The 2025 MHL, running from January 4 to February 22, will feature new entrants, including Darwin-based Northern Territory Stingers. The Armed Forces will also mark their return to the women’s competition after a decade-long absence.
Confirmed teams for the men’s competition include defending champions Terengganu Hockey Team (THT), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Maybank, Nurinsafi Sporting, UiTM HA-KPT, Armed Forces, TNB Thunderbolts, Liaoning HT (China), and NT Stingers.
In the women’s category, the lineup features Malaysian University, Blue Warriors, Negeri Sembilan, Qnet Phoenix, Mutiara-MSSPP-PSHA-PKS-Uniten, Armed Forces, and NT Stingers.
Since its inception in 1987, the MHL has stood as Malaysia’s premier field hockey league. — December 30, 2024