OVER the weekend, while browsing Instagram, I stumbled upon a post that piqued my interest – prompting me to read the entire article on the Times of India.
The post highlighted India’s women’s national ice hockey team, which recently achieved a historic bronze medal at the Asia Cup after competing against five other nations, winning three matches and losing two to secure a spot on the podium.
What intrigued me more than the medal itself was the team’s journey to this achievement, which was truly inspiring.
Before clinching the bronze, the women faced numerous challenges and hardships, and it was evident that they lacked significant support from both the federation and the government.
Their journey reportedly began in the mountainous areas of Ladakh and Spiti Valley, where the players practised on frozen ponds during winter.
The team encountered various obstacles, including inadequate equipment and training facilities. Initially, they had limited access to training venues, only being able to use the rink after the male players finished their sessions. They also had to make do with oversized and mismatched gear borrowed from male players.
Throughout their journey, they faced discouraging comments like “Go home, be mothers” and “Try dancing instead.”
Despite these hurdles, they persevered by building their own rink and continued to pursue their passion for the sport, ultimately earning their first bronze medal.
This story stands in stark contrast to the support our athletes receive from the National Sports Association (NSA) and the government, even as some still find reasons to complain.
Many athletes enjoy a monthly income, including allowances and bonuses, first-class air travel for international competitions, and five-star accommodations. Yet, some still struggle to find their footing.
For instance, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has done everything possible to support its players, yet some still engage in prolonged disputes over salary and contracts.
The six-month negotiation between women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah and BAM is a case in point. Scoop has now learnt that the duo have agreed to BAM’s terms — not their own initial demands, which reportedly included a salary package on par with the association’s top earners.
The media reported that Pearly and Thinaah will sign the new deal before departing for the Japan Open next week, committing to stay with BAM through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Ultimately, it is the decision of the duo, often referred to as the Darlings of Malaysia by netizens, to chart their own path, similar to what men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia has done.
However, it is not reasonable to place the national body in a difficult position, especially given the level of support BAM provides.
Players benefit from comprehensive services, including medical care for injuries, all managed by the National Sports Institute.
The facilities available to badminton players are also of world-class quality. The Akademi Badminton Malaysia is so esteemed that players from other countries often seek to train there.
Other sports associations also do their part to support their athletes to the best of their abilities. The government, particularly the Youth and Sports Ministry, has consistently contributed to helping our athletes reach their full potential and perform well.
Figures like Tan Sri Mohd Norza Zakaria, current minister Hannah Yeoh, and former ministers such as Khairy Jamaluddin, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican, Datuk Seri Faizal Azumu, and Datuk Seri Azalina Othman have all made significant contributions to our athletes and the sports industry, regardless of differing opinions on their methods.
One example of government support for our athletes is the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, which identifies those with the highest potential to win Olympic gold medals.
As Hannah describes it, the RTG is a supplementary programme that provides these chosen athletes access to top-notch facilities, resources, and expert guidance.
The government offers various support systems, but RTG is the most prominent one at the moment.
Even netizens tend to be cautious with their criticism of athletes on social media, as they continue to support our national representatives, win or lose.
Our athletes have been afforded ample resources; all that remains is for them to perform well, make the country proud, and refrain from complaining.
Consider how much stronger the Indian national women’s ice hockey team could be if they received the same level of support from sports associations and the government as our athletes do. With that backing, they could potentially compete successfully against top teams from Russia, the US, Canada, and Scandinavian countries.
Some of our athletes need to recognise the value of the support they receive and focus on achieving victories, medals, and trophies as anticipated.
While some athletes might wonder why people like me or netizens care, it’s important to remember that our contributions through taxes help fund some of the support. – July 8, 2025
T. Vignesh is Scoop’s executive editor