KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is hoping that the National Sports Council (NSC) will provide RM1 million in funding to support its indoor hockey team in preparation for next year’s Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup.
The governing body’s concerns have arisen following the indoor hockey team, under the guidance of Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi, making history by qualifying for the 2025 World Cup in Croatia.
They achieved this by finishing as runners-up at this year’s Men’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, where they are currently ranked 22nd in the world.
Drawn into Pool B alongside Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Oman, Malaysia displayed scintillating form, scoring a total of 30 goals throughout the tournament. However, they lost 7-1 to the world number two side, Iran, in the final on May 25.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal acknowledged the NSC’s commitments in managing the needs of various sports bodies across the country.
However, he emphasised the importance of receiving allocations early to avoid last-minute complications for the indoor hockey team.
For the record, the MHC has set a target of a podium finish for Rodzhanizam’s charges at the Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup.
“So far, the MHC has been covering all costs for indoor hockey 100%. This is a significant issue; while I’m not complaining, I also understand NSC’s situation.
“However, the NSC must look at this from a broader perspective: our indoor hockey team has qualified for the first time in the history of the competition.
“Not only for the World Cup, but this team also has a strong possibility of competing in the SEA Games next year and potentially in future Olympic editions. I sincerely hope the NSC can consider assisting us.
“Please don’t wait until the last minute when we are preparing and then expect us to bring home the gold medal. We need to start now.
“I’m still awaiting discussions with the NSC and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh on how they can assist us with the allocations for the indoor team. For the tournaments that the MHC organises, we have no issues since we apply for sports grants from the ministry and share the costs,” said Subahan when met at the Malaysian Indoor Hockey League final in Putrajaya yesterday.
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