KUALA LUMPUR — Nurinsafi Sporting, the Penang-based field hockey club that has competed in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) under the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) for more than 20 years, is set to pull out of the league this year, according to sources close to the team.
The withdrawal comes after a recent MHC rule limiting clubs to three foreign players per match, a move the club says severely affects its ability to field a competitive side.
“MHC only allows three foreign players to start, so it really hurts us. But I’m not sure whether the rules are correct because I’m not international,” a source told Scoop.
The source explained that the restriction has made it impossible to form a proper team.
“We’re not even able to field a proper team. This isn’t like playing with a schoolboy side, where you can still manage a big win despite the circumstances,” the source said.
“This is one of the main reasons we’ve decided to pull out.”
According to the source, the club’s decision had been finalised internally following discussions with MHC last month.
“There was communication with MHC about the foreign player rule a couple of months ago. After that, internal discussions were held, and Nurinsafi finally decided to pull out,” the source said.
The source also highlighted the impact on the wider squad.
“A few of our ex-national players were asking the team’s management, ‘Oh no, I cannot come to Penang this time because of this.’ We have been bringing hockey to Penang, through top players from around the country and the world coming to play in Penang,” the source said.
“Why does MHC keep changing these numbers every year? Are the competition committee making these adjustments to favour certain teams or individuals?”
“For example, last year, eight foreign players were allowed, which benefited the Matador team. This year, it has been reduced to three, which could give an advantage to Tenaga Nasional,” the source added.
“Many national players are employed by Tenaga. If the number of foreign players is reduced, then the number of national players should also be limited. This would give non-national local players more opportunities to play,” the source said.
“We need a balanced distribution of players and more evenly matched games, rather than a one-sided tournament where the team with the most national players holds the advantage.”
Nurinsafi Sporting has represented Penang in the MHL for over two decades and remains the only team from the state competing in the national league, making its withdrawal a significant development for Malaysian field hockey.
Despite often facing larger and better-funded clubs, Nurinsafi Sporting has achieved notable success in the MHL.
The club has produced players who have gone on to national recognition, including Che Shahrul Azmi Che Saufi, a goalkeeper who featured in Malaysia’s 2018 Youth Olympics gold-winning team and played in the Hockey5s World Cup; Nur Rahull Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi, a prolific forward; Pavan Fakkirappa Madivalar; and Veerannagouda Patil from India.
Last season, Nurinsafi Sporting finished mid-table in the MHL, holding their own against bigger clubs while continuing to develop local talent.
Their contribution to Malaysian hockey over the years remains significant, both in nurturing players and representing Penang at the national level. – April 2, 2026