KUALA LUMPUR – The committee of the inaugural C. Paramalingam Legends Trophy has pledged to organise grassroots tournaments to elevate youth hockey players in the country in the years to come.
The tournament, named after the former Olympian, will feature six teams comprising approximately 20 former national players from different eras.
Prominent former players such as Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi, Nor Saiful Zaini Nasir, Soon Mustafa Karim and Aanantha Sambu Mayavo are expected to participate in the tournament.
Tournament chairman M. Narayanaviswa, who is also a national hockey player from the 1990s, has said that his committee believes that more young talents are needed for the betterment of the game in the country.
He added that the committee, made up of former national hockey players, aimed to emulate the formula of their coach and mentor Paramalingam, who made over 200 appearances for Malaysia as a left flanker.
“We are products of coach Param, and he scouted us from the grassroots level. The reason why we are well settled in life now is because of coach Param. Without him, we wouldn’t be at this level.
“Coach Param has always reminded us to help the community, especially grassroots players in the country. It’s our duty to share our knowledge with the younger generation, and we are determined to do so through the C. Paramalingam Legends Trophy tournament.
“This year’s edition will focus on honouring coach Param, but in the years to come, we will come up with several other grassroots tournaments under his name.
“Our committee is passionate about developing the game in the country, and the future relies on the youth. Hence, we will be announcing our plans for the grassroots tournaments in the days to come,” said Narayanaviswa at a press conference today.
Paramalingam, aged 90, left an indelible mark on Malaysian hockey, both as a player and coach.
His illustrious career spanned from 1956 to 1970, during which he showcased his exceptional skills and leadership on the field.
At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, he was one of the top scorers, netting nine goals for Malaysia.
His coaching tenure included guiding Malaysia to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Maybank, Royal Malay Regiment, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Ex-Malaysia and Klang Municipal Council are among the six teams participating in the C. Paramalingam Legends Trophy, scheduled to take place this Sunday at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium from 9am to 1pm. – March 8, 2024