Addressing gaps in Malaysia’s hockey development programme

 

From Amarjeet Singh

As Malaysia seeks to strengthen its national hockey performance, the National Hockey Development Program (NHDP) stands out as a promising initiative. Now only three years old, the NHDP already shows great potential, with 65% of the junior team coming through its ranks. However, expecting overnight success from such a 

young

 programme is unrealistic. It’s important to give the programme time to develop, as the fruits will likely appear within the next three to four years.

NHDP: a long-term vision

The NHDP, under the supervision of the National Sports Council (MSN) and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), is actively grooming young players through a dedicated team of coaches. However, gaps remain, particularly in certain age groups where state associations are struggling to keep pace with the national agenda.

Killing the NHDP is not a solution; in fact, doing so would only make matters worse. We must fine-tune the programme, make it more efficient, and ensure it reaches a larger audience of potential players. Expanding its reach and improving its execution will strengthen the foundation of Malaysian hockey, ensuring that a larger, better-prepared pool of players is developed for the future.

Building resilience and adjusting mindsets

Building a 17-year-old player for national duty requires patience. They need gradual exposure—more time in the training camps, followed by appearances in games, tournaments, and even pushing them out to leagues to gain experience.

National leagues, international friendlies, and specialised tournaments should be avenues for these young players to hone their skills and prove their mettle. Every coach must be willing to take calculated risks in exposing younger players to more intense competitions.

The need for high-performance coaching

There needs to be an understanding of what high-performance coaching entails and how to adapt it to the Malaysian context. Developing a system that integrates modern training methods, psychological preparation, and advanced game strategies is essential. Unfortunately, many state associations may lack the expertise and resources to implement these changes. However, MHC is well-positioned to offer guidance and support. Seeking its help and working closely with it would ensure that state programmes can align with national high-performance standards.

Infrastructure and state support issues

A significant barrier to the development of hockey at the grassroots and state levels is the lack of infrastructure and support. Many states struggle with inadequate facilities, which hampers the ability to train and develop players effectively. For example, Stadium Pantai in Kuala Lumpur has faced issues with water sprinklers for years, leaving the facility in suboptimal condition and depriving the local hockey community of proper training grounds. This has led to teams in KL having to run their leagues in Pandamaran, highlighting the uneven distribution of resources and facilities across the country.

Support from state governments varies widely. Some states may not prioritise or provide adequate funding for hockey, affecting the overall development. Addressing these disparities is crucial for creating a more level playing field and ensuring that all regions have the necessary infrastructure to support hockey development.

MSN’s investment: where’s the result?

MSN is already pouring considerable resources into hockey development, and this commitment deserves recognition. However, some critics, including former national players, have questioned whether these investments are yielding the intended results. One such example is Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s (TNB) involvement in hockey development, where the company adopted five schools and invested over RM5 million into programmes aimed at developing young hockey talent. Despite this, teams not associated with TNB have often outperformed those directly benefiting from its support.

Is this a failure of execution, or is it a sign that the resources are being spread too thin? The answer likely lies in a lack of strategic coordination.

While TNB’s efforts are commendable, it’s clear that isolated programmes are not enough to bring about the systemic change needed in Malaysian hockey. It’s time to pool resources from various stakeholders, including TNB, MHC, MSN, and even private sponsors, to create a unified national agenda for hockey development.

Developing a national agenda

To build a larger and more competitive pool of players, there needs to be a concerted effort to bring together the resources and expertise of all relevant bodies. This should be more than just a corporate social responsibility project for companies; it should be a national agenda that prioritises long-term success. By centralising efforts, we could streamline the development process, offering young players consistent training, coaching, and competitive opportunities across all levels of the sport.

Additionally, addressing the gaps at the state association level – such as a lack of resources, facilities and expertise – is crucial. Greater coordination between state associations, MHC, and MSN is needed to create a seamless pipeline that feeds talent into the national programme. High-performance coaching must be made accessible across the board, and coaches need to be upskilled through regular sessions to ensure they are equipped with the latest methods and knowledge to nurture talent.

Holistic approach needed

The NHDP, in partnership with MSN and MHC, is on the right track, but success will not happen overnight. This is a long-term project that requires patience, strategic investments, and coordinated efforts at every level—from grassroots to national competition.

By uniting all stakeholders and targeting a larger pool of players, Malaysia can build a sustainable hockey development system that delivers results not just for the current generation but for many to come. The focus should be on building resilience, mental toughness, and game intelligence in young players to ensure they are ready to face the challenges ahead. - FMT

Amarjeet Singh is a hockey enthusiast and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.