NAFAS AKHIR / THE LAST BREATH – MALAYSIAN HOCKEY "We reach a critical juncture this year: we must either bounce back or face irreparable decline" BY MANINDERJIT SINGH (MIKE)

NAFAS AKHIR / THE LAST BREATH – MALAYSIAN HOCKEY "We reach a critical juncture this year: we must either bounce back or face irreparable decline" BY MANINDERJIT SINGH (MIKE)

Warm greetings to everyone & SELAMAT HARI MALAYSIA.

Many have asked about new articles regarding Malaysian hockey. I have been busy with my podcast, Planet Sukan, and various projects for the FIH and just ended 2026 FIH World Cup event.

Let’s get to the point: NAFAS AKHIR/THE LAST BREATH.

We have been in decline since 2015 and have yet to recover following the 2018 Asian Games. This year will determine whether we recover or fall further toward an irreparable state on the world hockey stage.

We have now dropped to our lowest world ranking of 15th. In world hockey, there are only 20 elite teams, despite the FIH ranking system including over 90 nations. Being ranked 15th out of these 20 is the true measure of our standing; beyond this top tier, the gap in team standards is significant due to a lack of tournament participation.

In 2026, there are SEVEN (7) key tournaments for Senior & Juniors:

1. FIH Nations Cup: June, Cape Town – TARGET FINAL BUT FINISHED 5^TH OUT OF 8 TEAAM

2. FIH Men’s World Cup: August, Belgium/Netherlands – TARGET TOP 8 BUT FINISHED WOODEN SPOON WORSTEVER POSITION IN WORLD CUP HISTORY LAST 16

3. Asian Games: September, Nagoya, Japan

4. Asian Champions Trophy: October, Punjab, India – 27Oct to 5^th November – TEAMS – IND PAK KOR JAPAN MALAYSIA CHINA

5. Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: November, Ipoh, Perak – 20-28 NOVEMBER – TEAMS MALAYSIA AUSTRALIA S AFRICA SCOTLAND CANADA USA

6. Junior Asia Cup 2026 – target SF and top 6 qualify to JWC27 an easy task due to 24 teams in JWC27 achieved but no podium finished or no medal as previous few editions – Best finished 1992 Silver, 2000 – Bronze and Champ in 2012.

7. Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 – this edition 5 nation’s event 17-24^th October Taman Daya Hockey Stadium – Teams Malaysia Japan Pakistan China Canada

As for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup & Sultan Johor Cup Malaysian senior and junior will for sure win a medal and podium finish because the teams invited are all below ranked teams than Malaysia as the dates clashes with FIH Pro League Season 26/26 and India plays test series with NZ.

As for SASC26 – based on rank Malaysia is 2^nd best ranked team after Australia and as for SOJC26 – Malaysian Juniors are the best ranked team at 11^th placed – with Pak (13), Japan (15), Canada (16) & China (26).

On the women front – in the recent JAC2026 – we lost to Bangladesh and failed to qualify to women JWC2027 and with newly appointed Coach CR Kumar has guaranteed us that Malaysian Women will break the top 4 bracket in the 2026 Asian Games – it means we will beat KOR and Taipei, Kazak & Bangladesh as China is unbeatable as won Silver medal in last Paris Olympics.

When we fail, we change the coaching staff; however, the core problem lies within the ecosystem and the pathway for developing international players. Many facets require a major overhaul, as the current system produces national-level players rather than international-calibre athletes.

Returning to the topic: The Last Breath. The new coach lacks a strong track record, having achieved no major milestones as a player, such as competing in the Olympics or World Cups. While several world-class coaches have expressed reservations regarding his profile, I will not disclose those details here. He has set targets to reach the finals of the FIH Nations Cup and the 2026 Asian Games with finishing top 8 in recent WC26.

The 2026 Asian Games will follow the FIH World Cup with only a 15-day gap, creating a tight schedule. India and Pakistan are expected to be the top contenders, given their participation in the last Pro League and finishing higher than Malaysia in recent WC26.

Japan will compete as hosts, while Korea seeks redemption after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIH World Cup.

**Rationale for the title: THE LAST BREATH**

Between June and November, we face five key tournaments comprising approximately 45–50 official matches. World rankings are calculated using the formula: RWI (Result × Weightage × Importance).

The importance levels for these tournaments are as follows:

* FIH World Cup: 10

* Asian Games: 6

* Nation Cup: 3

* Asian Champions Trophy: 3

* Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: 2

Furthermore, our squad is currently recognized as the oldest team with the most international caps in world hockey. Most players are aged 33 and above.

Due to a failure to develop junior talent, the last two Malaysian Junior World Cup teams have performed poorly, and finishing 4th in the recent Junior Asia Cup 2026 and similar to the last 3 Junior Asia Cup cycles without reaching the podium. In the Junior World Cup, the team placed 12th of 16 in Kuala Lumpur 2023 JWC and 13th of 24 in JWC Tamil Nadu 2025. It is obvious with the inclusion of 3 Junior players such as Azimudin, Faris and Andy - struggling to cope at International stage and now they included Che Nur another junior player in the coming Asian Games. 

Conclusion

With an aging national team and a lack of successful junior development since 2015, it is questionable whether the squad can sustain 50 matches over six months while maintaining consistent results. There is significant concern regarding whether veteran players—such as Hafizudin, Marhan, Faiz, Fitri, and Faisal—can endure this schedule, given the lack of depth in the current international hockey bench. 

Many will suffer injuries and burnout. Can these key players be sustained through the LA28 Olympic cycle, or will their potential retirement create a significant vacuum that has been building since 2015?

We lack solutions, having mismanaged the last three Junior World Cup cycles. Regarding the 2027 JWC, there is no proper periodization plan or quality international match schedule; Liaoning tours & India Tours are insufficient.

Furthermore, it is unclear how the second round of the MHL will take place, as all national senior and junior players are committed to busy international schedules until November. 

Our current calendar is poorly structured and managed on an ad-hoc basis. Leading teams utilize a four-year cycle aligned with the Olympics, incorporating domestic and international events for U18, U21, Razak Cup, Sukma and senior and junior squads.

Regarding LA28, qualification remains challenging. With the United States occupying one slot, the remaining 11 are divided between five continental champions; 2 for Pro Leagues season (Belgium taken one) and four teams from the February 2028 FIH Olympic Qualifiers. Given the calibre of competition in these eight-team events, securing a top-wo finish is difficult.

For full details about the Road to LA28, click the below link:

https://stickwithmike.blogspot.com/2026/09/malaysian-mens-hockey-team-road-to-la28.html

Furthermore, surpassing India in the 2026 Asian Games is a significant hurdle; success requires first overcoming Japan, Korea, China, and Pakistan. India has 70 players who have secured consecutive Olympic bronze medals and a bronze in the recent Junior World Cup.

I will write about Malaysian Men’s Chances in the upcoming Asian Games 2026 – commencing on Friday, 18^th September 2026.

I will provide updates on these events and periodically share predictions and analyses regarding the issues affecting our performance.

I wish the Malaysian senior and junior teams the very best as we reach a critical juncture this year: we must either bounce back or face irreparable decline.

By early October , following the Asian Games, we will determine whether a restructuring is necessary to salvage the sport or if the current office bearers should step down and forgo re-election in 2027, given our repeated failures over the past decade.

Best regards. Thank you for reading and following my articles and comments. It is nothing personal; I simply want Malaysian hockey to return to its rightful place, where we deserve to be in the Olympics again and consistently achieving favorable results in world hockey. 

MANINDERJIT SINGH (MIKE)

FORMER OLYMPIAN & WORLD CUPPER & ASIAN ALL STAR

FORMER SEC GEN OF MHC/MHF & FIH THINK TANK

Malaysian Men’s Hockey Team: The Road to LA28 - The qualification process, challenges, and prospects. By Maninderjit Singh (Mike) – Double Olympian

Malaysian Men’s Hockey Team: The Road to LA28 - The qualification process, challenges, and prospects. By Maninderjit Singh (Mike) – Double Olympian

Warm greetings to all my readers and followers.

Following our failure to reach the finals or secure a podium finish at the FIH Nations Cup—a target set by the new coach and management—it is clear we are struggling. Although the Nations Cup is a Class B event compared to the FIH Pro League, World Cup, and Olympics, our performance remains poor. As I have often stated, we possess a "national team" that lacks the international caliber required to compete in major tournaments.

The Road to LA2:

This article will be divided into two segments:

1. Understanding the IOC-approved qualification process for the 12 teams.

2. Assessing the assumptions and prospects for the Malaysian men’s team (the women’s team is currently not at a competitive level even to qualify for the FIH Nations Cup1 but we may play in Nation Cup 2).

QUALIFICATION PROCESS

THE 12 TEAMS:

- Host nation: USA (1 slot)

The remaining 11 slots will be filled by:

- FIH Hockey Pro League (2 slots): The highest-placed nation in the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Pro League seasons (Belgium is the front-runner).

The 2026–27 season will also serve as a qualifier. If the team that wins the 2025–26 season also wins the 2026–27 season, the 2026–27 runner-up will qualify. My view Netherlands will take this slot based on their current performance.

Continental Championship Slots (5):

The highest-placed team in each of the five continental championships that has not already qualified as host or through the FIH Hockey Pro League will qualify. Should a nation already qualified via the FIH Hockey Pro League finish as the highest-placed team in its continental championship, the next highest-placed nation in that championship will qualify.

Final 4 Slots: FIH Olympic Qualification

Two FIH Olympic Qualification Tournaments, each featuring eight teams (16 total), will be held in early 2028. The format will mirror the 2024 tournaments, consisting of two pools of four, followed by semi-finals and a final. The top two teams from each tournament will secure a quota place for their NOC.

My Assumptions and Prospects for the Malaysian Men’s Team

Based on this qualification system, the Malaysian men’s team has two potential paths to qualify for LA28: The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Nagoya during September and October, following the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium in August. India aims to secure the gold medal. Based on current performance, a final between India and Pakistan is likely, though Japan poses a significant threat to both. China remains a potential spoiler.

While South Korean hockey is currently in decline, the team remains competitive in major events like the Asian Games due to national pension incentives. Consequently, India, Pakistan, and Japan are the strongest contenders, with South Korea and China capable of causing upsets.

Other participants, such as Oman and Bangladesh, are expected to compete at a developmental level. In my view, winning gold is unrealistic. While the custodians and coaches will likely boast and promote the usual narratives of victory, we are all aware of our current standing in world hockey.

Second Opportunity: FIH Olympic Qualification – February 2028

My Assumptions:

The First 8 Qualifiers:

USA (Host)

FIH Pro League 25/26: Belgium has secured their seat via being Champion

FIH Pro League 26/27: Netherlands (projected winner)

Five Continental Champions: India, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and Germany

The remaining four slots will be determined via the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, consisting of two tournaments of eight teams each, with two qualifying spots available per tournament.

The four strongest teams that will qualify in February 2028 - are Great Britain, Spain, France, and New Zealand. My view – Malaysia has no any chance to be in LA28 Olympic. We will see one Asian Team (India) playing in LA28. Even Pakistan has no chance.  

The 12 expected teams to qualify for the LA28 Olympic Games are the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, India, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, France, and New Zealand.

I am providing this list to clarify the qualification process following numerous inquiries from KBS, MSN, Media and former internationals.

In conclusion, the 2000 Sydney Olympics remain the last Games for which Malaysia qualified. Given the current ecosystem, player quality, and lack of international hockey expertise, future Olympic qualification remains unlikely even for 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Lucky - The number of teams for FIH tournaments, such as the World Cup and Junior World Cup, has been extended to 16 and 24, respectively. If the format were limited to 12 teams, we would be left behind in World Cup too.

Best wishes,

Maninderjit Singh (MIKE)

 

HOKI SELANGOR - TADBIR DENGAN MARUAH & PRESTASI - Ditulis oleh: Maninderjit Singh (Mike) Bekas Kapten Selangor Dan Malaysia Olympian Hoki Terakhir dari Negeri Selangor

HOKI SELANGOR - TADBIR DENGAN MARUAH & PRESTASI:Seruan Tindakan untuk Hoki Selangor: Mengembalikan Kegemilangan Kita

Kepada para pemain yang berdedikasi, barisan kejurulatihan, ahli gabungan, serta seluruh komuniti hoki Selangor,

Selangor mempunyai sejarah yang amat membanggakan sebagai salah satu kuasa besar hoki Malaysia. Namun begitu, kita perlu mengakui dengan jujur bahawa prestasi kebelakangan ini tidak lagi mencerminkan standard kecemerlangan yang kita harapkan.

Daripada keputusan yang tidak konsisten di padang sehingga kemerosotan daya saing dalam kejohanan utama seperti Piala Tun Abdul Razak dan Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA), jelas bahawa kita telah sampai ke satu titik penting yang memerlukan tindakan segera.

Prestasi Keseluruhan Tiga Kejohanan Terakhir:

Piala Tun Abdul Razak

Lelaki

2026 – Tempat terakhir Kumpulan A – dijangka tempat ke-11 atau ke-12 – kalah semua perlawanan

2025 – Tempat ke-11 daripada 12 pasukan

2024 – Tempat ke-12 daripada 14 pasukan

Wanita

2026 – Layak ke separuh akhir menentang Melaka

2025 – Naib Johan

2024 – Naib Johan

SUKMA

Lelaki

2026 – Gagal melayakkan diri ke suku akhir; tempat ke-3 dalam Kumpulan C dan tewas kepada Sabah

2024 – Tempat ke-11 daripada 12 pasukan

Wanita

2026 – Tempat ke-4

2024 – Tempat ke-5

2022 – Naib Johan

Prestasi pasukan wanita menunjukkan kekuatan yang jelas. Mereka secara konsisten berada di kelompok terbaik, menaiki podium dan mara jauh dalam kejohanan.

Sebaliknya, pasukan lelaki melalui tempoh yang amat mencabar, bergelut untuk mendapatkan momentum dan mencatat keputusan yang jauh daripada standard tradisi hoki Selangor.

Namun bagi pasukan lelaki, ini bukan masa untuk berputus asa atau mencari kesalahan individu. Ini adalah satu panggilan untuk kita bangkit dan bertindak.

Untuk mengubah trend ini, setiap pihak — daripada kepimpinan persatuan, jurulatih, pegawai, kelab hinggalah pemain di padang — mesti meningkatkan standard, disiplin, komitmen dan rasa tanggungjawab masing-masing.

LANGKAH KE HADAPAN

Fokus segera Hoki Selangor hendaklah merangkumi perkara-perkara berikut:

1. Mengadakan Sesi Town Hall Terbuka

Satu forum yang terbuka dan telus perlu diadakan bagi membolehkan pihak kepimpinan, ahli, kelab, pemain dan semua pihak berkepentingan membincangkan matlamat strategik, isu komuniti serta mendapatkan maklum balas secara terus.

Objektif Town Hall

Meningkatkan Ketelusan

Menyampaikan perkembangan organisasi, gambaran kewangan serta perancangan strategik secara terus kepada ahli dan pihak berkepentingan.

Penglibatan Pihak Berkepentingan

Menyediakan platform kerjasama kepada kelab, pemain, jurulatih dan pegawai untuk memberikan pandangan, mengemukakan soalan serta mencadangkan idea.

Penyelarasan Visi

Menyelaraskan komuniti hoki negeri dengan objektif badan induk kebangsaan serta hala tuju jangka panjang persatuan hoki negeri, termasuk:

pembangunan akar umbi;

pembangunan dan penyelenggaraan kemudahan;

laluan pembangunan atlet berprestasi tinggi;

pembangunan jurulatih;

pembangunan pegawai teknikal dan pengadil.

Pengurusan Krisis & Penyelesaian Isu

Membincangkan isu-isu mendesak komuniti, perubahan peraturan serta cabaran operasi melalui dialog terbuka dan konstruktif.

2. Rangka Kerja Town Hall

Tujuan

Memudahkan komunikasi terbuka, rundingan dan pembuatan keputusan secara bersama antara Jawatankuasa Eksekutif Persatuan Hoki Negeri dengan ahli gabungan dan pihak berkepentingan.

Skop & Kuasa

Town Hall bersifat penasihat dan konsultatif.

Ia tidak menggantikan Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan (AGM) atau Mesyuarat Agung Luar Biasa (EGM) serta tidak mempunyai kuasa untuk meluluskan pindaan perlembagaan atau perkara kewangan yang memerlukan kelulusan statutori.

Walau bagaimanapun, hasil dan cadangan Town Hall hendaklah digunakan sebagai input kepada dasar dan keputusan Jawatankuasa Eksekutif.

Komposisi & Kehadiran

Terbuka kepada:

ahli berdaftar;

wakil kelab yang bersekutu;

jurulatih;

pengadil;

pemain;

ibu bapa/penjaga; dan

pihak berkepentingan lain di bawah bidang kuasa persatuan.

Kekerapan & Notis

Town Hall hendaklah diadakan sekurang-kurangnya dua kali setahun atau secara suku tahunan mengikut keputusan Lembaga Eksekutif.

Town Hall juga boleh dipanggil melalui petisyen sekurang-kurangnya 30% daripada kelab yang bersekutu.

Notis bertulis sekurang-kurangnya 14 hari hendaklah diberikan bersama agenda mesyuarat.

Pengerusi

Dipengerusikan oleh Presiden atau Naib Presiden Persatuan Hoki Negeri dan dibantu oleh Setiausaha.

Agenda

Ucapan dan laporan keadaan semasa Persatuan;

Inisiatif strategik dan kalendar kejohanan;

Kedudukan kewangan serta perkembangan pembiayaan akar umbi;

Sesi soal jawab terbuka.

Laporan & Hasil

Minit mesyuarat, senarai tindakan dan ringkasan soalan serta jawapan hendaklah disediakan oleh Setiausaha dan diterbitkan melalui portal rasmi persatuan dalam tempoh 10 hari bekerja selepas Town Hall.

KEKUATAN HOKI SELANGOR

Selangor sebenarnya mempunyai hampir semua elemen yang diperlukan untuk kembali menjadi kuasa utama hoki Malaysia.

Naungan Diraja

DYMM Sultan Selangor merupakan Penaung Persatuan Hoki Selangor (SHA).

Ini merupakan satu kelebihan dan penghormatan besar kepada pembangunan hoki negeri.

Sokongan Kewangan

MSN Negeri Selangor memberikan sokongan kewangan yang kukuh kepada pembangunan sukan.

Hoki Selangor juga mempunyai sejarah kejayaan yang panjang yang boleh dimanfaatkan untuk memasarkan sukan serta meningkatkan kestabilan kewangan dan tadbir urus.

Sokongan Institusi

Pihak berkuasa tempatan seperti:

MBPJ

MBDK

turut memainkan peranan dalam menyokong program hoki.

Infrastruktur

Selangor mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya enam kemudahan/stadium hoki yang boleh dimanfaatkan:

MBPJ

MBDK

IIUM

UiTM

UniKL

UNITEN/TNB

Pembangunan Akar Umbi

Program akademi hoki yang meluas dijalankan di seluruh daerah dan stadium pada hujung minggu, melibatkan jumlah pemain muda yang besar. Program KPM pula mempunyai sembilan Pusat Latihan Daerah (PLD) dan sebuah Sekolah Sukan Negeri di Selangor.

Potensi Korporat

Kewujudan banyak kawasan perindustrian dan syarikat yang mempunyai keupayaan kewangan yang kukuh menawarkan peluang penajaan yang besar kepada hoki Selangor.

Sokongan MHC

Konfederasi Hoki Malaysia (MHC) menyediakan: subsidi penyertaan kejohanan kebangsaan; geran pentadbiran tahunan; dan geran penganjuran kejohanan. Dan juga menyediakan kejohanaan peringkat kebangsaan untuk pasukan Selangor menyertai dan bertanding. Juga menyediakan peluang untuk pegawai teknikal dan pengadil untuk memberi jasa dan mengambil pengalaman.

Kepakaran

Selangor mempunyai kumpulan besar bekas pemain antarabangsa yang boleh menyumbang kepada pembangunan hoki.

Selain itu, terdapat:

ramai jurulatih berpengalaman untuk program pembangunan dan pasukan negeri;

pegawai teknikal dan pengadil berpengalaman di peringkat kebangsaan dan antarabangsa; universiti dan unit ketenteraan di Selangor yang berpotensi membantu sebagai sukarelawan dalam pertandingan dan program pembangunan.

DUA ELEMEN UTAMA UNTUK PEMULIHAN HOKI SELANGOR

Dua elemen penting perlu diwujudkan sebagai keutamaan bagi membantu Jawatankuasa Eksekutif sedia ada meningkatkan standard hoki Selangor serta menangani kemerosotan prestasi semasa:

1. JAWATANKUASA KERJA PRESTASI

(Performance Working Committee)

Tujuan & Mandat

Laluan Elit

Merancang, memantau dan menilai laluan kompetitif daripada skuad junior/pembangunan sehingga ke pasukan senior negeri.

Nasihat Strategik

Memberi nasihat kepada Jawatankuasa Eksekutif berkaitan:bajet prestasi tinggi;

kemudahan; pelantikan jurulatih; program latihan; sokongan sains sukan.

Sasaran Prestasi

Menetapkan Petunjuk Prestasi Utama (KPI) bagi setiap kumpulan umur dan pasukan senior yang menyertai kejohanan kebangsaan.

Tanggungjawab Utama

Pemantauan Pemilihan

Mengkaji dan memastikan proses pemilihan atlet serta pegawai dilaksanakan secara:telus;adil;profesional; dan berintegriti.

Kejurulatihan & Sokongan

Memantau:sains sukan;perkhidmatan perubatan;standard kejurulatihan; persekitaran latihan; persediaan pertandingan.

Peruntukan Sumber

Memberikan cadangan berkaitan pembahagian geran prestasi tinggi, kem latihan dan sumber pembangunan atlet.

Struktur Jawatankuasa

Jawatankuasa dicadangkan terdiri daripada 5 hingga 9 orang ahli, termasuk:

Pengerusi;

jurulatih prestasi tinggi;

wakil atlet/alumni;

bekas atau pemain kebangsaan;

pakar bebas sains sukan; dan

pakar pentadbiran prestasi tinggi.

Kuorum

Kuorum boleh ditetapkan pada majoriti mudah, contohnya Pengerusi bersama sekurang-kurangnya 50% ahli yang mempunyai hak mengundi.

Tempoh Pelantikan

Ahli boleh dilantik untuk tempoh 1 hingga 2 tahun secara berperingkat, dengan pelantikan semula berdasarkan penilaian prestasi Jawatankuasa Eksekutif.

Kaedah Kerja & Mesyuarat

Mesyuarat hendaklah diadakan setiap dua bulan atau setiap suku tahun, dengan mesyuarat khas diadakan sebelum kejohanan kebangsaan utama.

Jawatankuasa hendaklah mengemukakan cadangan rasmi serta laporan kemajuan kepada Jawatankuasa Eksekutif melalui Setiausaha.

2. JAWATANKUASA LALUAN PENDIDIKAN KEJURULATIHAN

(Coach Education Pathway Committee)

Jawatankuasa ini bertanggungjawab mengurus standard kejurulatihan tempatan, kursus akreditasi serta pembangunan profesional jurulatih di bawah panduan badan induk kebangsaan.

Tanggungjawab Utama

Pensijilan

Mengendalikan kursus asas dan pertengahan seperti:

MHC National Level 1;

MHC National Level 2;

MHC National Level 3.

Kursus ini perlu memberi peluang kepada jurulatih kelab, sekolah dan daerah meningkatkan kelayakan mereka.

Penguatkuasaan Standard

Melaksanakan syarat minimum kelayakan jurulatih, garis panduan keselamatan serta prosedur tapisan dan pematuhan di peringkat daerah dan kelab.

Pendidikan Berterusan

Menganjurkan: klinik kejurulatihan;bengkel;program mentor-mentee;kemas kini taktikal; perkembangan peraturan permainan; integrasi kejurulatihan dengan sistem pengadilan.

Kemajuan Laluan Jurulatih

Mengenal pasti jurulatih tempatan yang berpotensi dan mencadangkan mereka untuk peningkatan ke peringkat negeri dan kebangsaan.

Struktur Jawatankuasa

Pengerusi / Pengarah Kejurulatihan

Menyelia hala tuju strategik dan menjadi penghubung dengan badan induk kebangsaan.

Penyelaras Pendidikan & Tenaga Pengajar

Mengurus jadual kursus, pendaftaran peserta serta pembangunan tenaga pengajar/fasilitator tempatan.

Pegawai Perlindungan & Pematuhan

Memastikan pematuhan kepada: kod tatakelakuan; dasar anti-doping; perlindungan kanak-kanak; keselamatan atlet.

Pegawai Pembangunan

Mewakili daerah dan sekolah serta menghubungkan program akar umbi dengan struktur latihan peringkat negeri.

MEMBINA SEMULA HOKI SELANGOR

Persatuan Hoki Selangor mesti memberikan komitmen penuh untuk menangani cabaran asas, meningkatkan pendedahan perlawanan serta membina laluan pembangunan yang lebih kukuh untuk pasukan lelaki dan wanita.

Pada masa yang sama, kita mengharapkan skuad negeri membalas komitmen tersebut dengan: usaha tanpa mengenal penat; disiplin yang lebih tinggi;fokus yang lebih tajam;profesionalisme; semangat juang;keinginan untuk menang.

Kita tidak boleh hanya bergantung kepada sejarah.

Sejarah membuktikan apa yang pernah kita capai.

Tindakan hari ini akan menentukan apa yang akan kita capai pada masa hadapan.

Selangor mempunyai bakat.

Selangor mempunyai kemudahan.

Selangor mempunyai pengalaman.

Selangor mempunyai sokongan institusi.

Selangor mempunyai bekas pemain antarabangsa.

Selangor mempunyai jurulatih dan pegawai teknikal.

Apa yang diperlukan sekarang ialah kepimpinan yang jelas, sistem yang tersusun, akauntabiliti dan budaya prestasi.

Ini bukan soal menyalahkan individu.

Ini adalah soal membina sistem yang lebih baik untuk generasi akan datang.

Marilah kita bersatu, bekerja lebih keras dan mengembalikan Selangor ke tempat yang sewajarnya — di puncak hoki Malaysia.

SELAMATKAN PRESTASI. PERKUKUHKAN TADBIR URUS. BANGKITKAN SEMULA HOKI SELANGOR.

Ditulis oleh:

Maninderjit Singh (Mike)

Bekas Kapten Selangor dan Olympian

Bekas pemain antarabangsa Malaysia

Olympian Hoki Terakhir dari Negeri Selangor

11 September 2026

AN OPEN LETTER TO MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT Our Sportsmen Gave Their Youth to the Nation — Who Will Stand by Them Today? Dear YAB Prime Minister, Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Malaysian Sports Authorities, Corporate Leaders, and Fellow Malaysians,

AN OPEN LETTER TO MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT

Our Sportsmen Gave Their Youth to the Nation 

— Who Will Stand by Them Today?

Dear YAB Prime Minister,

Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports,

Malaysian Sports Authorities, Corporate Leaders, and Fellow Malaysians,

I write this letter not merely as a former sportsman, but as someone who has witnessed first-hand the sacrifices made by Malaysian athletes who dedicated the best years of their lives to representing our country.

Recent media reports highlight how former Malaysian sporting heroes are struggling to receive basic care. This issue persists annually. This year, the passing of greats such as K. Rajan, R. Ramakrishnan, and Sarjit Singh, alongside the hospitalization of others—including 1975 World Cup players Sri Shanmuganathan and Brian Sta Maria—underscores the lack of specialized support and the long delays these individuals face when seeking essential medical attention.

We proudly celebrate our athletes when they stand on the podium.

We celebrate their victories, their medals, their records and their moments of glory.

But what happens after the applause stops?

What happens when the athlete who once carried the Jalur Gemilang can no longer compete?

What happens when age, injury, illness, unemployment or financial hardship catches up with them?

And what happens to those who gave everything to Malaysia but never became household names, never earned substantial prize money and never had the opportunity to build a secure financial future?

For some of our former sportsmen and sportswomen, the answer is painfully simple:

They are struggling to survive.

Some are facing financial difficulties.

Some have inadequate retirement savings.

Some are dealing with injuries sustained during their sporting careers.

Some have difficulty finding meaningful employment after retirement.

And some are living quietly, away from the public eye, despite having once represented Malaysia with immense pride.

This should concern all of us.

THEIR CAREERS WERE SHORT. THEIR SACRIFICES WERE NOT.

A sporting career can last only a few years.

But the sacrifices begin long before an athlete reaches the international stage.

Years of training.

Early mornings.

Countless hours in gyms and on playing fields.

Time away from family.

Missed opportunities for education and employment.

Physical injuries.

Mental pressure.

And the enormous responsibility of wearing the Malaysian crest and representing more than 30 million Malaysians.

When these athletes retire, many leave the sporting arena with little more than memories, medals and injuries.

A medal cannot pay the electricity bill.

A national cap cannot pay for medical treatment.

Representing Malaysia cannot guarantee a pension.

And patriotism alone cannot put food on the table.

WE MUST CHANGE THE WAY WE LOOK AFTER OUR ATHLETES

Malaysia has developed systems to identify, train and support athletes while they are competing.

But we must ask a more fundamental question:

What is our responsibility towards them after they have finished serving the nation through sport?

I believe Malaysia needs a comprehensive National Sportsmen & Sportswomen Welfare and Retirement Framework.

This should not be viewed as charity.

It should be viewed as recognition of national service through sport.

Such a framework could include:

1. Lifetime Welfare Support

A structured assistance programme for former national athletes who fall into genuine financial hardship.

2. Medical & Injury Support

Long-term medical assistance for injuries and conditions directly related to sporting careers.

3. Retirement & Pension Scheme

A properly structured retirement benefit for athletes who have represented Malaysia at recognized international level for a qualifying period.

4. Employment & Skills Transition

Training, education and employment pathways to help athletes transition from competitive sport into their second careers.

5. Housing Assistance

Support for former athletes facing genuine housing insecurity or financial hardship.

6. Emergency Welfare Fund

A rapid-response fund for former national athletes facing serious medical, financial or family emergencies.

7. Recognition of All Former Athletes

Urgent Call for a Set-up of Emergency Task Force

Chaired by YBM Sports Minister with current agencies such as YAKEB, MACE, OCM, MSN, MOA and reps from MOF, KKM & PMO with 2 or 3 former Olympians.

Terms of Reference: Formulating a Holistic Framework for Post-Career Vulnerability. The transition from elite sports often exposes athletes to significant challenges, including sudden loss of income, long-term physical trauma, a lack of formal career training, and financial instability. This framework aims to address these issues to ensure long-term welfare security.

Suggestions for enhancing the Malaysian Athletes Welfare Care System:

  1. Organize an annual dinner to gather Olympians & Heroes of Malaysian Athletes and their families.

  2. Address the welfare of Olympians and Heroes of Malaysian Sports.

  3. Conduct fundraising activities for sustainability, including government grants.

  4. Serve as a think-tank for the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

  5. Provide employment opportunities for retired Olympians & Others.

  6. Issue exclusive identification cards for free or VIP access to competitions.

  7. Implement a basic medical plan through group insurance or government services.

  8. Establish a death benefit and funeral cost support for families.

  9. Obtain cooperative licenses for financial benefits like loans for education or small businesses.

  10. Nominate Olympians for leadership roles in sports organizations.

  11. Advocate for annual state or federal honours for successful Olympians & Other Heroes.

  12. Organize an annual sports conference involving stakeholders and Olympian & Former Heroes of Malaysian Sports as speakers.

  13. Apply for tax exemption status to enhance funding flows. Double tax break will be a great asset.

  14. Create an online database and website for Olympian profiles and information.

  15. Secure university slots and scholarships for children of former Malaysian Athletes.

 16. Establish a dedicated space for former Malaysian Athletes to serve as an administrative and archive centre.

17. Proposal to Government for a Pension Funds for all Former Malaysian Athletes – auto registration with JKM on monthly care – RM600 monthly for Olympians & World Cuppers and RM300 for Asian Games and below.

18. Organisation of community activities

19. Selling Olympians & Former Malaysian Athletes as an Ambassador - eg. Sports products or events etc

20. Obtaining Vouchers or Loyalty cards with Merchants for Olympians - getting concession or discounts on products or services. Eg. Negotiating with Air Asia or Malaysian Airlines for cheap fares for former Malaysian Athletes to travel.

21. Standard SOP for a funeral farewell: presenting the Jalur Gemilang to the family, accompanied by the national anthem, "Negaraku," played on bagpipes or recorded music prior to the final ceremony.

LET US NOT WAIT FOR A TRAGEDY

We should not wait until a former national athlete is homeless, seriously ill, living in poverty or publicly asking for help before we recognize their contribution.

By then, it is already too late.

We should establish a system before the crisis happens.

A great sporting nation is not judged only by how well it develops champions.

It is also judged by how it treats those champions when they can no longer compete.

Written & Appealed By:

Maninderjit Singh (Mike)

On Behalf of Former Malaysian Olympians & Athletes

maninder1972@gmail.com