KUALA LUMPUR – The Matadors Hockey Club, one of the fastest-growing hockey academies in Malaysia, is set to debut in next year’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
Led by businessman Sarwan Singh, the club boasts over 40 players aged seven to 17 and a group of senior players with experience in various MHL teams.
A highly reliable source within the sport revealed that the club’s primary goal is to provide greater exposure to Indian and Punjabi players, potentially bringing them into contention for the national team.
Over the past five years, the Matadors’ youth team has participated in at least four in-house tournaments and international competitions in Australia.
“The team will consist of 95% Indian and Punjabi players, blending youth and experience.
“They have shown interest in joining the MHL for several years but feel this is the right time to compete and contend for the coveted trophy, now that they have a balanced squad.
“The players have already begun training for the league and are in excellent shape, with no injuries so far.
“The coaching line-up will include former national and state players, offering the national team an opportunity to identify quality Indian and Punjabi talent in line with the national coach’s vision,” said the source.
In addition to the Matadors Hockey Club, next year’s MHL will welcome the Darwin-based Northern Territory Stingers, who are making their league debut. The competition will run from January 4 to February 22.
The Armed Forces will also return to the women’s competition after a 10-year hiatus.
Confirmed teams for the MHL men’s category include Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Terengganu Hockey Team (THT – the defending champions), Maybank, Nurinsafi Sporting, UiTM HA-KPT, Armed Forces, TNB Thunderbolts, Liaoning HT (China), and NT Stingers.
Meanwhile, the women’s competition will feature Malaysian University, Blue Warriors, Negeri Sembilan, Qnet Phoenix, Mutiara-MSSPP-PSHA-PKS-Uniten, Armed Forces, and NT Stingers.
Established in 1987, the MHL remains the premier league for field hockey clubs in Malaysia. — December 29, 2024