PUTRAJAYA — The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have raised concerns over potential disruptions to the national hockey teams’ training schedules and the condition of the turf if 26 concerts are held at the National Hockey Stadium next year.
MHC deputy president Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak highlighted the issue today following the national body’s 70th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Putrajaya.
“There are 52 weeks in a year, so if 26 concerts are held, it would mean the hockey stadium will be off-limits to the national teams for half the year. This would undoubtedly affect their preparations and training.
“We are also concerned that such a high number of concerts could damage the turf over time,” Najmi told the media today.
Najmi clarified, however, that no official confirmation had been received from the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) regarding the matter.
“At this stage, we don’t know for sure if 26 concerts will be held next year,” he added.
Last month, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh reassured that the increasing number of concerts held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil had not impacted the standard of Malaysian hockey.
During her wrap-up speech on the Supply Bill 2025, Hannah emphasised that concerts are only approved if they do not clash with hockey events.
She reiterated that hosting international and national-level hockey tournaments remains the stadium’s top priority.
Hannah also explained that the stadium comprises two fields: Field 1, or the main field, is reserved for international and national-level tournaments, while Field 2 is used for the national teams’ development and training programmes.
“We do not own the stadium, so there’s little we can dictate. However, we hope for understanding from the PSM and look forward to further discussions to manage this issue,” Najmi said.
He acknowledged that, despite several concerts being held this year, there had been no visible damage to the turf.
A total of five concerts were scheduled at the National Hockey Stadium this year. — December 14, 2024