KUALA LUMPUR – Fresh from lifting their first Asian Masters crown, Malaysia’s over-50 hockey veterans have shown that experience and tactical nous can outshine youthful speed, turning heads as they set their sights on the 2026 World Masters Hockey World Cup in Rotterdam.
The Malaysian squad, managed under the Sultan Ahmad Shah (SAS) Veteran Hockey Association, capped a dominant campaign in Hong Kong by trouncing Japan 3-0 in the final on November 30, claiming the inaugural Asian title for their age category.
Throughout the tournament from November 26–30, the seasoned ‘Speedy Tigers’ – as they might jokingly be called – reminded rivals that precision, strategy, and teamwork often beat raw pace.
Malaysia topped their group with a 4-0 win over Singapore, a 1-1 draw against hosts Hong Kong, and an emphatic 8-0 rout of Bangladesh.
This marked Malaysia’s fourth appearance at the Asian Masters, having competed previously in 2009, 2011 and 2023, but it was the first time the nation reached the pinnacle of continental competition.
Guided by former Olympian and World Cupper Maninderjit Singh, the team combined the wisdom of ex-nationals, former state players, and coaches Soo Yew Meng and Eugene Lee.
Physio Hasif from the National Sports Institute and team manager M. Ravichandran completed the support crew, ensuring the veterans were physically and mentally primed.
“The journey began in June with open selections and a carefully structured build-up of 42 training sessions, alongside multiple veteran tournaments,” Maninderjit told Scoop when contacted.
“We conquered the RSC 9’s and Ipoh Lads tournaments and finished runners-up in the KLHA Veteran League.”
Maninderjit added that the programme was largely self-funded, with an expenditure of about RM120,000, supported further by individual sponsors for accommodation, attire, and training costs.
“This victory is more than just a medal; it’s a statement to veteran players across Asia that high-level competition remains both possible and meaningful well beyond traditional peak years,” he added
Looking ahead, the team plans to bolster its ranks with more former internationals as they reach eligibility, promising an even stronger pool of talent for next year’s World Masters Hockey World Cup.
If this latest showing is anything to go by, the Malaysian veterans have already taught the ‘Speedy Tigers’ a masterclass in experience, discipline, and how to get the job done on the big stage. – December 5, 2025