Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hockey Australia; subsequently launching a four-year blueprint for the national team’s goal of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
MHC President, Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal pointed out that Australia is a major powerhouse in hockey and that Malaysia has plenty to learn from them.
He also mentioned that the blueprint is a plan to strengthen the national team and build a relationship with Hockey Australia to assist Malaysian hockey for the next five years.
“This is an opportunity to improve the quality of hockey in our country and learn from Australia.
“They (Hockey Australia) believe the talent that we have means that we’re not far behind them. But there are plenty of things to improve on.
“We will work together in terms of grassroots development as well as exchange programs involving players, coaches, officers and also referees,” he told to Utusan Malaysia.
Through the MoU agreement, Australia will participate in tournaments hosted in Malaysia, such as the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup as well as the Sultan Johor Cup. Malaysia on the other hand, will also compete in tournaments held by Hockey Australia in 2016 and 2018.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
It’s a good news for Malaysian hockey and a smart move from MHC. The hockey scene in Malaysia badly needs a progressive plan, especially with regards to grassroots development. Qualifying for the Olympics is always a tough ask, so hopefully, the blueprint will help MHC improve various aspects of hockey, particularly in talent development. Should things go well, Malaysia should be able to qualify for the Olympics in 2020. That being said, we’ll have to wait and see how the blueprint evolves over the next few months.
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